IRS officer seeks ₹2 crore in damages over alleged portrayal in controversial web series tied to Aryan Khan; Court raises jurisdiction issue
Key Highlights
- Delhi High Court questions jurisdiction of Sameer Wankhede’s defamation case
- Wankhede alleges malicious portrayal in a web series linked to Aryan Khan
- Seeks ₹2 crore in damages; says funds will be donated to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital
- Court asks for amended plea showing cause of action in Delhi
- Allegations include violation of national honour and IT laws
Court Seeks Clarity on Jurisdiction
On Friday, the Delhi High Court raised concerns over the maintainability of IRS officer Sameer Wankhede’s defamation plea related to a controversial web series titled The Ba**ds of Bollywood*.
Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav questioned whether the cause of action for the case arises in Delhi.
“It is seen by viewers in Delhi. Insofar as the web series is published for viewing in Delhi, I am defamed,” argued Sandeep Sethi, senior advocate for Wankhede.
The court, however, instructed Wankhede to amend the plea to legally establish how the case falls under Delhi’s jurisdiction.
Wankhede Seeks Damages, Pledges to Donate
Wankhede is demanding:
- ₹2 crore in damages
- Permanent and mandatory injunction
- Public declaration against the series
He also stated in court that if granted, the damages would be donated to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital to help cancer patients.
Controversy Around the Web Series
According to Wankhede’s petition:
- The web series includes a character making a middle finger gesture after saying “Satyamev Jayate”, part of India’s national emblem
- The gesture allegedly violates the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971
- The content is described as false, malicious, and defamatory, aimed at tarnishing Wankhede’s image
- The timing is sensitive, as legal proceedings involving Aryan Khan and Wankhede are still pending before the Bombay High Court and NDPS Special Court
Legal Violations Cited in the Plea
The plea alleges that the web series is in violation of multiple Indian laws, including:
- Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971
- Information Technology Act
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
The series is accused of attempting to outrage national sentiment and promote obscene and offensive content under the guise of creative expression.
