Samir Wankhede Defamation Case Against ‘Red Chillies’; Next Hearing Scheduled

Samir Wankhede has filed a defamation case against Red Chillies Entertainment, alleging that the ‘Bards of Bollywood’ web series on Netflix tarnishes his reputation. The case, involving actor Shahrukh Khan and his wife Gauri Khan’s production company, will have its next hearing in the Delhi High Court next month. Wankhede claims that the series portrays him negatively, leading to damages worth 2 crores that he plans to donate to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital. The Delhi High Court has set a deadline for Wankhede, Red Chillies Entertainment, and Netflix to provide a written response. Wankhede believes that the series undermines public trust in law enforcement agencies involved in enforcing regulations against drug-related activities, particularly given the ongoing legal issues involving Shahrukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan. Wankhede seeks interim relief and requests various websites to remove defamatory content related to him, including an episode in the series that allegedly violates the National Honor Disgrace Prevention Act of 1971. Wankhede accuses the series of violating various provisions of Information Technology and Indian Penal Code by using objectionable and offensive material to evoke nationalistic sentiments. The case is scheduled for further hearing on November 10th.