Sameer Wankhede, a 2008-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, has always been a name that grabs headlines. Known for his tough stance against drug trafficking and high-profile seizures during his career, Wankhede served as the Zonal Director of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) until 2021. Over the years, he has led operations involving figures like preacher Zakir Naik, underworld networks linked to Dawood Ibrahim, and even celebrity customs checks at airports.
But it was the 2021 Cordelia cruise raid, which led to the arrest of superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan, that catapulted him into the national spotlight. While Aryan spent 25 days in jail before being cleared of all charges in 2022, the case left Wankhede entangled in controversy. Accusations of corruption and bribery followed, though he has consistently denied wrongdoing.
Now, years later, Wankhede finds himself in yet another storm—this time in a legal fight with Netflix and Red Chillies Entertainment over Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, The Bads of Bollywood.
Delhi High Court Steps In
On September 26, 2025, the Delhi High Court questioned the maintainability of Sameer Wankhede’s defamation suit against the Netflix series. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, while hearing the case, said the petition appeared “not maintainable” in its current form, raising doubts about whether Delhi had the jurisdiction to hear it.
Wankhede’s counsel, Senior Advocate Sandeep Sethi, argued that because the series is streamed in Delhi and damages his reputation there, the Delhi High Court has the authority to hear the matter. The bench, however, wasn’t convinced and asked Wankhede to amend his petition to clarify exactly how the cause of action arose in Delhi.
Why Wankhede Went to Court
In his defamation suit, Wankhede has accused Netflix and Red Chillies Entertainment of deliberately portraying him in a false and negative light. His demands include:
₹2 crore in damages (to be donated to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital).
A permanent injunction against streaming the show.
A formal declaration that the content is defamatory.
At the heart of the dispute is a controversial scene in the series where a character—allegedly based on Wankhede—recites “Satyamev Jayate” before flashing a middle finger. Wankhede says this isn’t just defamatory but also an insult to national honour, invoking the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
His plea also argues that the series undermines public faith in anti-drug enforcement agencies and violates provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The Aryan Khan Connection
The timing and the subject of The Bads of Bollywood make this case particularly sensitive. The series, directed by Aryan Khan, revisits themes from the very case that once made headlines worldwide. Wankhede believes the show is a targeted attempt to malign his reputation, especially since the Aryan Khan drug case is still remembered as one of India’s most sensational legal sagas.
For Aryan, the Netflix project marks his first step into the entertainment world as a director, backed by his father’s company, Red Chillies Entertainment. For Wankhede, it feels like a direct attack on his years of service and public image.
Creative Freedom vs Reputation
The larger question here is one that courts in India have often grappled with: Where does creative freedom end, and where does defamation begin?
Supporters of the Netflix series argue that art must be allowed to challenge, critique, and dramatize. Wankhede, on the other hand, says no creative license should come at the cost of tarnishing a public servant’s career and the dignity of national symbols.
The Delhi High Court’s insistence on clarity about jurisdiction highlights how tricky such cases can be. Before even addressing the content of the series, the court wants to know if Delhi is the right forum for this legal fight.
What’s Next for the Defamation Suit?
For now, Wankhede must go back and rework his petition, showing why Delhi has the authority to hear his grievance. If he succeeds, the case will proceed against Netflix, Red Chillies Entertainment, and Aryan Khan. If not, his legal battle could hit a major roadblock.
Either way, the case has reignited public debate over the Aryan Khan drug case, Wankhede’s role in it, and the fine line between artistic expression and defamation law.
Final Take: Sameer Wankhede vs Aryan Khan Netflix Show The Bads of Bollywood
The fight—Sameer Wankhede vs Aryan Khan Netflix show The Bads of Bollywood—isn’t just about a web series. It’s about reputation, accountability, and how far freedom of expression can stretch in India’s entertainment industry.
With the Delhi HC saying the suit is ‘not maintainable’ for now, the spotlight is firmly back on Wankhede to prove his case. As he prepares to amend his petition, the legal battle promises to keep the public hooked—just like the original Aryan Khan case did in 2021.