IRS officer Sameer Wankhede has taken legal action against the makers of the web series ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’, accusing them of defaming him. He has filed a defamation suit against Red Chillies Entertainment and Netflix, claiming that the show has harmed his reputation. Wankhede is seeking Rs. 2 crore in damages, which he has stated will be donated to the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital for cancer patients.
Delhi High Court issues notices and summons
As reported by PTI, on October 8, the Delhi High Court issued notices and summons to Red Chillies Entertainment Private Limited, Netflix, X Corp (formerly Twitter), Google LLC, Meta Platforms, RPSG Lifestyle Media Private Limited, and John Doe in the defamation suit. The court directed all defendants to file their replies within seven days.During an earlier hearing, Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav allowed time to Wankhede, actor Shah Rukh Khan-owned Red Chillies Entertainment, and OTT platform Netflix to file their written submissions.
Sameer Wankhede’s counsel says satire has its limits
The report also revealed, during the hearing on Monday, November 10, 2025, Wankhede’s counsel told the court that the makers of the web series were hiding behind a disclaimer. The lawyer said that the makers had taken a “sly approach” while making the show.“Disclaimer is of no consequence. The proof of pudding is how people consume it,” the advocate said, stressing that viewers do not separate fiction from real references when such content is made.He further added, “The defence of satire is not absolute. You have taken potshots at me in my professional capacity.”
Counsel alleges malice behind the web series
Wankhede’s counsel did not hold back in accusing the makers of acting out of malice. “The spoof and innuendos on the officer were because of malice and vendetta,” he said, adding that the web series was not a harmless piece of entertainment.He firmly stated, “This is vendetta passing off as fiction.”
Court questions boundaries of artistic freedom
The Delhi High Court also raised questions about artistic freedom and its limits. The court asked the production house to clarify where the line should be drawn between satire and defamation when a real person’s image or professional integrity is at stake.
Red Chillies Entertainment to present arguments soon
The court has scheduled the arguments by Red Chillies Entertainment to begin on November 17. Their counsel is expected to respond to the allegations and defend the creative choices made in the web series.
Wankhede requests removal of defamatory content
In his plea, Wankhede has sought interim relief by requesting the removal of all alleged defamatory content from websites and platforms. He claims that the series paints a misleading and damaging picture of anti-drug enforcement agencies, which could “erode public confidence in law enforcement institutions.”
