New Delhi, India — February 3, 2026
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday permitted IRS officer Sameer Wankhede to approach a competent court in Mumbai to file a defamation suit against a web series directed by Aryan Khan, son of actor Shah Rukh Khan.
The case relates to the Netflix series The Bads of Bollywood, which Wankhede has alleged contains scenes that damage his reputation by portraying a character resembling him.
⚖️ Jurisdiction Clarified by Delhi High Court
Earlier, on January 29, the Delhi High Court had dismissed Wankhede’s plea on the grounds of lack of territorial jurisdiction. However, on Tuesday, the court granted him liberty to pursue the matter before an appropriate court in Mumbai.
The order was passed by Justice Vikas Mahajan, who allowed Wankhede’s application seeking permission to institute the defamation proceedings before a Mumbai sessions court. The court observed that procedural requirements had been fulfilled and clarified that Delhi courts do not have jurisdiction over the matter.
📅 Next Hearing on February 12
According to news agency ANI, the High Court directed both parties to appear before the Mumbai court on February 12, when Wankhede is expected to formally file the defamation case.
During the hearing, Wankhede’s counsel referred to the earlier order of Justice Purushendra Kumar Kaurav, which had allowed the withdrawal of the complaint under the Civil Procedure Code with liberty to approach the correct forum. Acting on that liberty, Wankhede sought transfer of the case to Mumbai.
🎬 What Are the Allegations?
Wankhede has alleged that Episode 1 of the series, produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and streamed on Netflix, contains a character that amounts to a defamatory portrayal of him.
According to Wankhede, the character’s appearance, conduct, and mannerisms closely resemble his own, and the depiction is linked to events surrounding the Aryan Khan drugs case. He has claimed that the portrayal has caused harm to his reputation and standing, as media reports and public perception allegedly identified the character with him.
Wankhede had sought directions for the removal or restraint of certain scenes from the series, arguing that they unfairly damage his public image.
🔍 Legal Significance
The High Court’s order does not comment on the merits of the defamation claim but strictly addresses jurisdictional and procedural issues. The substantive legal battle will now be taken up by the Mumbai court, which will examine the allegations in detail.
