Delhi HC acknowledges 'bias' against Wankhede in 'Bads of Bollywood'
What's the story
The Delhi High Court has raised concerns over the alleged bias in the Netflix series The Ba***ds of Bollywood. The show, directed by Aryan Khan, is facing a defamation suit from former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer Sameer Wankhede. He claims that a character in the series is based on him and damages his reputation.
Legal arguments
Court acknowledges potential bias stemming from Cordelia Cruise drug case
During the hearing, Senior Advocate Kaul defended the Red Chillies series, saying, "I am entitled to do this." Kaul argued that if Wankhede's plea is entertained, it could open floodgates for similar claims from anyone who believes a fictional depiction resembles them. The High Court acknowledged this but also noted the potential bias stemming from the Cordelia Cruise case involving Khan and Wankhede.
Distinction made
Court distinguished between RK Laxman's works and 'Bads of Bollywood'
The court differentiated between Kaul's example of cartoonist RK Laxman, whose works often satirize authority figures. It observed that Laxman's cartoons did not carry the personal bias that The Ba***ds of Bollywood appears to. The series features a character resembling a plainclothes officer waging a war on drugs, which has drawn comparisons to Wankhede.
Legal strategy
Wankhede's legal team argues for removal of contentious scene
Wankhede's legal team, led by Senior Advocate J Sai Deepak, argued that satire should acknowledge its real-life basis. He argued that the series "mocks" Wankhede and that removing the controversial scene would not impact the story but would help preserve his client's dignity. The court will continue hearing the matter on November 26.