Khaitan & Co Represented Business Media Private Limited Before Delhi High Court In Defamation Suit

Khaitan & Co represented Business Media Private Limited before Delhi High Court in defamation suit

The leading law firm in India, Khaitan & Co advised and represented Business Media Private Limited (“BMPL”) in a suit for defamation filed by Mr. Sameer Wankhede, IRS Officer, before the Delhi High Court. The suit alleged publication of defamatory content by Red Chillies Entertainments, Netflix, and RPSG Lifestyle (i.e., BMPL).

The plaint, inter alia, alleged that BMPL had published a defamatory video mocking Mr. Wankhede based on his depiction in the television series titled “The Bads of Bollywood.” On the basis of these allegations, Mr. Wankhede sought damages and injunctive reliefs against BMPL.

Khaitan & Co, representing BMPL, advanced elaborate submissions on the issue of territorial jurisdiction and maintainability of the suit. It was highlighted before the Court that the sole objective of impleading BMPL was to establish jurisdiction qua the other defendants. Detailed arguments were also made on the protection available to artistic expressions.

After hearing the parties, the Delhi High Court 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 had been arrayed only to subvert the rigours of jurisdictional principles under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.

The Khaitan & Co team was led by Jeevan Ballav Panda (Partner), with support from Sankalp Udgata (Associate).

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