Sameer Wankhede Defamation Case: Former NCB Officer Files Rs 2 Crore Lawsuit Against Shah Rukh Khan Over Netflix Series
Sameer Wankhede Defamation Case: A former Narcotics Control Bureau officer, Sameer Wankhede, has brought a case of defamation in the Delhi High Court against Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan and his wife, Gauri Khan. The lawsuit is based on the recent release series, “The B***ds Of Bollywood.” In the defamation suit filed by Sameer Wankhede, damages of Rs 2 crore are sought. The officer says that this money will go to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital in support of cancer patients.
Wankhede, in his court case, has claimed that the Red Chillies Entertainment film is presenting “a false, malicious and defamatory portrayal” which deliberately attacks his reputation. In the defamation suit against Sameer Wankhede, scenes from Aryan’s debut film are alleged to mock anti-drug agencies and undermine confidence of public in law enforcement.
Former NCB Officer claims that the series “was deliberately conceptualised and implemented with the intention to harm Sameer Wankhede’s reputation unfavorably.” The defamation suit against Sameer Wankhede highlights the concerns over how entertainment portrays police officers and their conduct.
In a Netflix show, a scene that has caused controversy shows enforcing officers arresting Bollywood personalities while overlooking others who are engaged in similar behavior. Many viewers have interpreted this scene as a reference to Aryan Khan’s 2021 incident on a cruise ship, in which Sameer Wankhede was the investigator who led to Khan being arrested for drug-related offenses.
Defamation cases like the Sameer Wankhede case raise serious questions about national pride. The legal documents state that the show depicts an offensive gesture made by a character after they have recited “Satyamev Jayate”, which is part of India’s National Emblem. Wankhede claims that this is a serious violation of the 1971 Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act. This has significant legal implications.
This defamation suit against Sameer Wankhede stems from a 2021 case in which Aryan was arrested for drug consumption and possession during a raid on a cruise liner. The case took a dramatic turn after the Central Bureau of Investigation accused Wankhede of trying to extort 25 crore rupees from the Khan family for preferential treatment. Wankhede, his associates, and the CBI were accused of demanding this bribe. Rs 50 lakh was reportedly paid. Wankhede, however, has denied all allegations.
The Sameer Wankhede cameo in the Bads*** of Bollywood Is too good lol.
— PSG24 (@DOCPSG24) September 18, 2025
Iykyk#Badsofbollywood #AryanKhan #ShahRukhKhan𓀠 pic.twitter.com/05PTrvTEsy
Netflix’s series Aryan Khan marks Aryan’s debut as a director. It has ignited a widespread debate about the balance between artistic freedom and responsible storytelling. The critics argue that, while artistic expression must be protected, creators of content should consider their real-world impact, particularly when portraying sensitive matters such as law enforcement.
Also Read: The Ba***ds Of Bollywood: Aryan Khan’s Powerful Privilege
Experts in law who have been following the Sameer Wakhede case of defamation suggest that it could be a precedent for entertainment content to address real-life controversies or public figures. This case brings up questions regarding the right balance between artistic freedom and possible harm to individuals’ reputations or institutional credibility.
This defamation suit against Sameer Wankhede is of particular importance, as the timing coincides with ongoing debates about digital content regulations and streaming service responsibility in overseeing content. Netflix will be scrutinized for its guidelines and processes of content review.
About Sameer Wankhede
Sameer Wankhede was a former Indian Revenue Service Officer who served previously as the zonal Director of the Narcotics Control Bureau, Mumbai. His role in high-profile investigations involving drugs, which included cases that involved Bollywood celebrities, brought him national recognition. Wankhede’s career as a law enforcer has seen him involved in a number of controversial cases.
