In a legal twist that has grabbed nationwide attention, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notices to Shah Rukh Khan, Red Chillies Entertainment, Netflix, and others.
The move comes in response to a defamation suit filed by IRS officer Sameer Wankhede against Aryan Khan’s debut web series, The Bads of Bollywood.
Sameer Wankhede, the former zonal director of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Mumbai, has been at the center of high-profile anti-drug investigations, including the 2021 Aryan Khan case.
According to the defamation lawsuit, which was filed on September 25, 2025, Aryan Khan's show includes "false, malicious, and defamatory" content that is meant to damage Sameer Wankhede's reputation. The petitioner is seeking Rs 2 crore in damages.
What Triggered the Lawsuit?
The controversy centers on a scene from the first episode of The Bads of Bollywood, which features a character resembling Sameer Wankhede. In the episode, an NCG officer raids a Bollywood party, arrests an actor for drug-related charges, and makes an offensive gesture. The clip quickly went viral on social media.
Sameer Wankhede has argued that the scene targets him personally and questioned whether it is even legal to depict such events, especially since the actual case involving him and Aryan Khan is still pending in the Bombay High Court and the NDPS Special Court in Mumbai.
The Past That Haunts Aryan Khan
- In 2021, Aryan Khan was taken into custody following an NCB raid on the Cordelia Empress cruise ship bound for Goa.
- He was accused of possessing drugs, along with Arbaaz Merchant and others.
- Shortly after Aryan's arrest, Shah Rukh Khan allegedly sent Wankhede a WhatsApp message.
- In 2023, a Rs 25-crore extortion suit against Sameer Wankhede revealed these conversations.
- Red Chillies Entertainment, Netflix, and Shah Rukh Khan must reply to the Delhi High Court's notices.
- Due to overlapping concerns about past misconduct, ongoing proceedings, and the web series depiction, experts predict that this case may turn into a drawn-out legal battle.
The public is closely following the developments of this case, which has already generated a discussion on social media regarding artistic freedom versus personal defamation.
FAQs
Q1: Why did Delhi HC issue notice to Shah Rukh Khan?
A1: The Delhi High Court issued notice to Shah Rukh Khan over a defamation suit filed by Sameer Wankhede against Aryan Khan’s web series The Bads of Bollywood.
Q2: What is Sameer Wankhede's allegation?
A2: Wankhede alleges that the series contains false and defamatory content mocking him, including a scene where a character resembling him makes obscene gestures.
Q3: Was Aryan Khan involved in any past legal case with Sameer Wankhede?
A3: Yes, Aryan Khan was arrested in 2021 after a NCB raid led by Wankhede on a Goa-bound cruise party. The case involved allegations of drug possession and is still pending in courts.
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