If you don’t like India, don’t work here: Delhi High Court to Wikipedia
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court, on Thursday, issued a notice in response to a contempt plea filed by ANI Media Private Limited against Wikipedia. ANI alleged non-compliance with a judicial order directing Wikipedia to disclose the identities of individuals who edited ANI's Wikipedia page.
Justice Navin Chawla expressed strong disapproval of Wikipedia's counsel's argument that it took time for the entity to appear before the court as it is not based in India. The judge remarked, "If you don't like India, don't work here," and issued the notice on ANI's contempt plea.
ANI's defamation lawsuit against Wikipedia stems from allegedly defamatory content published on its Wikipedia page. The court had earlier directed Wikipedia to disclose the subscriber details of three individuals involved within two weeks. ANI's contempt plea followed the alleged non-compliance by Wikipedia.
Justice Chawla also hinted at the possibility of asking Wikipedia to cease its business operations in India and requesting the government to block the platform if non-compliance continues.
The court has summoned Wikipedia's authorized representative to appear in person at the next hearing.
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'The Ba**ds of Bollywood’ mirrors my life, damages my reputation: Sameer Wankhede tells Delhi HC
New Delhi: IRS officer Sameer Wankhede has submitted his reply to the Delhi High Court in the defamation case he filed against Red Chillies Entertainment, the production company owned by actor Shah Rukh Khan. The case pertains to the recently released series The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, which Wankhede claims has defamed him.
In his statement to the court, Wankhede asserted that the show’s portrayal of a police officer is clearly based on him and has caused serious harm to his public image. He cited four key reasons supporting his claim.
First, he said the character in question bears physical similarities to him, including facial and body features. Second, he noted that the character’s working style and mannerisms closely resemble his own.
Third, Wankhede highlighted that the officer in the show is depicted making a high-profile arrest involving a major film personality, which he said directly mirrors his own involvement in the Aryan Khan drug case.
Fourth, he pointed out that the character frequently uses the phrase “Satyameva Jayate,” a motto he himself had used during media interactions in the course of that investigation. He argued that using the national motto in such a context cannot be dismissed as creative expression or humour.
Wankhede also referred to an interview in which Aryan Khan allegedly admitted that the show was “inspired by some real events.” This, he said, contradicts Red Chillies Entertainment’s claim that The Ba**ds of Bollywood* is purely fictional.
He further alleged that the tone and intent of the series indicate personal and institutional vendetta, aimed at discrediting and defaming him rather than engaging in artistic storytelling.
Wankhede informed the court that the fallout from the show has affected his family, with his wife and sister receiving abusive and vulgar messages online.
Rejecting Red Chillies’ argument that he is a “thin-skinned” officer, Wankhede said that a public servant cannot be expected to tolerate false and damaging portrayals simply because of his position. He emphasized that his legal action seeks to protect the constitutional rights and dignity of both himself and his family.
