The Delhi High Court has dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by former Narcotics Control Bureau officer Sameer Wankhede against the Netflix series The Bastards of Bollywood. The court rejected the petition on jurisdictional grounds, stating that it did not have the authority to hear the matter. However, it clarified that Wankhede is free to approach another competent court to pursue his claims.
Sameer Wankhede had alleged that the web series contained defamatory content that harmed his reputation and portrayed him inaccurately. He sought legal intervention to prevent the streaming of the series, which is believed to draw inspiration from real-life events surrounding high-profile drug investigations, including the Aryan Khan case from 2021.
In its order, the Delhi High Court observed that the case did not fall within its territorial jurisdiction and therefore could not be entertained. While the court did not examine the merits of the allegations, it granted Wankhede the liberty to file his plea before an appropriate judicial forum. This means that although the current case has been dismissed, legal options remain open to the former officer.
The ruling is seen as a significant development for the makers of the Netflix series, as it clears an immediate legal hurdle. With no stay order in place, the platform is free to continue streaming the show without disruption. The decision also comes as a relief to Aryan Khan, son of actor Shah Rukh Khan, and others associated with the series, who were indirectly impacted by the legal challenge.
The Bastards of Bollywood has generated attention due to its portrayal of the inner workings of the film industry and law enforcement agencies. While the creators have not officially confirmed that the storyline is based on specific individuals, the similarities to real events sparked controversy and prompted the legal action.
Legal experts note that jurisdiction is a crucial aspect of civil litigation, and courts cannot proceed unless the matter falls within their territorial or subject authority. The High Court’s decision reinforces this principle, emphasizing procedural compliance before substantive issues can be addressed.
As of now, Netflix has not issued an official statement following the court’s order. It remains to be seen whether Sameer Wankhede will pursue the matter further in another court. Until then, the series will continue to be available to viewers.
The case highlights the growing legal scrutiny faced by streaming platforms in India as web series increasingly explore themes inspired by real events and public figures. Courts are expected to continue balancing creative freedom with individual reputation as similar disputes arise in the future .
