Firm Matters

Khaitan & Co advised and represented advised and represented Business Media Pvt Ltd ("BMPL") in a suit for defamation filed by Mr Sameer Wankhede (IRS Officer), before the Delhi High Court, alleging publication of defamatory content by Red Chillies Entertainments, Netflix, and RPSG Lifestyle (i.e., BMPL). The plaint had inter alia alleged that BMPL had published a defamatory video mocking Mr Wankhede based on his depiction in the television series titled "The Ba*ds of Bollywood." Based on such allegations, Mr Wankhede had claimed damages and injunctive reliefs against BMPL. Elaborate submissions were advanced on behalf of BMPL on the issue of territorial jurisdiction and maintainability of the suit and it was highlighted that the sole objective of impleading BMPL was to establish jurisdiction qua the other defendants. While elaborate submissions were made on the protection available to artistic expressions, the Court eventually returned the plaint for lack of jurisdiction. The Court categorically held that BMPL is neither a necessary nor a proper party to the dispute and has been arrayed to subvert the rigours of jurisdictional principles under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.