The legal dispute over the web series The Ba***ds of Bollywood reached the Delhi High Court on Wednesday.As reported by PTI, opposing counsels argued that the defamation suit was filed in the wrong jurisdiction and should have been instituted in Mumbai instead of Delhi.They reportedly contended that since Sameer Wankhede resides in Mumbai and the companies involved are registered there, there is no basis to invoke Delhi’s jurisdiction merely because viewers in the capital streamed the series or newspapers reported on him. The bench, headed by Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, has posted the matter for continued arguments on Thursday.
Web series described as ‘satire’ and artistic commentary, not defamation
The opposition argued that the show is a satirical take on Bollywood and uses parody as a narrative format, which is legally protected as artistic expression. According to submissions, the series explores themes such as nepotism, paparazzi culture, marital infidelity, and the struggles of newcomers in the industry.It was contended that Wankhede cannot isolate a one-minute clip from a seven-episode production and label the entire project defamatory. The court was also informed that Wankhede has been speaking to the media after the series’ release, offering detailed interviews and commentary. This, the opposing side argued, contradicts his claim of reputational damage inflicted in silence.
Wankhede alleges ‘personal vendetta’ linked to 2021 drug case
Wankhede reportedly insisted that the series was conceived with the deliberate intention of tarnishing him personally due to the 2021 arrest of Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan in a high-profile drug case.He alleged that the content is a “vindictive hit job” disguised as satire to settle institutional and personal scores. Wankhede has demanded Rs 2 crore in compensation, proposing that the amount be donated to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital. The plea also flags a sequence showing a character flashing a middle finger after reciting “Satyamev Jayate”, calling it an insult to the National Emblem and a violation of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act.Replies from all concerned digital platforms are expected as the hearing continues.Meanwhile, Aryan Khan’s debut directorial has received magnificent reviews.
