The Delhi High Court has granted IRS officer Sameer Wankhede permission to transfer his defamation lawsuit against Red Chillies Entertainment to a court in Mumbai. This case centers around serious allegations made against the web series titled The Ba***ds of Bollywood, produced by Shah Rukh Khan's entertainment company. Justice Vikas Mahajan's ruling allows all parties to appear at the City Civil & Sessions Court in Dindoshi, Malad, on February 12, 2026.
The court's decision follows a prior ruling on January 29 by Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, which stated that the Delhi High Court lacked jurisdiction over the matter. Given that both parties reside in Mumbai and the alleged actions took place there, the case is now considered appropriately placed in Maharashtra's capital.
- Allegations of personal vendetta — Wankhede asserts the content was produced to retaliate against him for arresting Aryan Khan in a 2021 drugs case.
- Claims of malicious intent — He argues the series aims to tarnish his reputation, orchestrated by Aryan Khan.
- Seeking damages for charity — Wankhede is pursuing ₹2 crore in damages, intended for the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital.
In addition to Red Chillies, Wankhede has also named Netflix in his defamation suit. He is seeking a permanent injunction to prevent the series from airing, asserting it directly retaliates against him for his professional actions in a high-profile investigation involving the son of a Bollywood superstar.
This case highlights the ongoing tensions within Bollywood and the impact of media portrayals on individuals' reputations. As Wankhede continues to advocate for his rights, the outcome of this lawsuit could set a significant precedent regarding defamation claims in the entertainment industry.
