Delhi HC seeks Netflix's response after 'Hasmukh' gets accused of defaming lawyers

Delhi High Court on Monday sought response of media streaming platform Netflix and producers of web series 'Hasmukh' on a plea seeking to stop its airing on ground that it allegedly maligns im and reputation of lawyers.  High Court also reserved its order on plea seeking an interim stay on airing of web series.

Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva asked Netflix and web series producers and director to file ir written statements on main suit, seeking permanent injunction on airing of show, and application for interim stay on broadcasting it. Netflix was represented by advocate Saikrishna Rajagopal, who opposed lawsuit, which will w come up for hearing on July 7.

'Hasmukh' review: Aspiring comedian played by Vir Das, show fails to impress audience

lawsuit is filed by lawyer Ashutosh Dubey who has also sought directions to web series producers, directors and writer to "tender unconditional apology online for maligning im of lawyers' community, which includes judges as y too had been lawyers at one point of time".

He has furr claimed that in episode 4 of web series, lawyers have been allegedly referred to as thieves, scoundrels, goons and rapists. Dubey, who practices in Supreme Court, has contended that "statements (in series) are highly disparaging, defamatory and bring disrepute to law profession and lawyers and advocates in eyes of general public".

It also seeks "deletion or removal of statements and contents from show 'Hasmukh', especially from episode 4 of series.

Plea in HC to stop airing of series 'Hasmukh' on Netflix for allegedly maligning lawyers

Vir Das portrays character of a murderer in Hasmukh

Speaking to a leading publication, Vir Das explained that series is born of fact that every comedian is very superstitious about things that y do off-st to get m ready for ir on-st performances. So, in show, main lead also needs to murder to look good on st.

series is co-created by Vir Das and filmmaker Nikkhil Advani, and it features Vir as main lead who hails from Saharanpur and kills people off st to perform better on st. series also features Ranvir Shorey, Maj Pahwa, Ravi Kishan, Amrita Bagchi, Suhail Nayyar, Inaamulhaq and Raza Murad.

(With PTI inputs)