The Delhi High Court declined to halt the release of the upcoming web series UP 77 after the producers asserted that the content is entirely fictional and not based on any real individual, recording their undertakings and directing the filing of an affidavit.
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NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court refused to grant an interim stay on the release of the upcoming web series UP 77, after its producers assured the Court that the content is entirely fictional and does not depict the life of slain gangster Vikas Dubey.
The plea was filed by Richa Dubey, widow of Vikas Dubey, who claimed that the series amounted to an unauthorised portrayal of her late husband and infringed upon her family’s right to privacy and dignity.
A bench presided over by Justice Sachin Datta recorded the categorical submission of the producers that the series “is a work of pure fiction and is not based on any real person or incident.”
Taking note of the assurance, the Court observed,
“In the light of the statement made by the producers, I am not inclined to interdict the release at this stage.”
The Court was also informed that a clear disclaimer would be displayed before every episode, clarifying that the show does not relate to any real individual. Additionally, the producers undertook that the promotional material would neither name nor indirectly refer to Vikas Dubey.
Justice Datta noted this assurance, stating that the producers “will ensure that the promotional content does not name or insinuate him in any manner.” An affidavit to this effect has been directed to be filed.
The High Court further observed that OTT content does not require prior certification, unlike films meant for theatrical release. In the absence of regulatory clearance requirements and considering the undertakings given, the Court held that no case for interim restraint was made out.
Accordingly, the matter has been listed for further hearing on January 7, 2026.
Petitioner’s Argument
In her petition, filed through advocate Azra Rehman, Richa Dubey argued that the web series contains “unauthorised biographical depiction and sensationalised personal events,” causing serious harm to her family’s dignity and reputation.
The plea stated that the release of the series would “permanently damage the petitioner’s dignity, subject her and her sons to public ridicule, and reopen past trauma,” amounting to a violation of Article 21 of the Constitution.
Earlier, the High Court had issued notices to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Waves, the OTT platform launched by Prasar Bharati, where the series is proposed to be streamed.
Background of the Case
Vikas Dubey was accused of orchestrating the killing of eight police personnel in Kanpur in July 2020. He was later killed while being transported in police custody, with authorities claiming he was shot in self-defence. The incident sparked allegations of a fake encounter and led to a judicial inquiry headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice B.S. Chauhan, which later cleared the Uttar Pradesh Police while recommending action against officials who had allegedly patronised Dubey.
The upcoming web series ‘UP 77’ aims to portray Dubey’s life and criminal exploits. The petitioner’s counsel argues that the series may cause emotional distress to Dubey’s family and could glorify criminal activities.
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