Delhi HC refuses to halt release of web series on Vikas Dubey
The Delhi High Court refused to stay the release of the web series “UP 77,” which is reportedly based on the life of slain gangster Vikas Dubey. Justice Sachin Datta, who was hearing a plea by Dubey’s wife Richa seeking to stop the release, said the court is not inclined to interfere with its release at this stage. “UP 77” is released on the Waves OTT platform on Thursday.
The court recorded the statement of the web series’ producers that it is a work of pure fiction and has nothing to do with the real-life story of any person, including Dubey. It also asked the producers to issue an undertaking or public statement to this effect to allay the petitioner’s concerns.
“Let an affidavit be filed to this effect within two weeks,” the court said and listed the matter for further hearing on January 7, 2026.
The court also directed that none of the promotional material in relation to the series should refer to the name of Dubey and that a disclaimer be added that it has nothing to do with Vikas Dubey.
In her plea, Dubey’s wife urged the court to stay the release of the web series, otherwise it would cause trauma and harassment to her. Dubey was gunned down by Uttar Pradesh Police in an encounter in 2020.
The main accused in the killing of eight police personnel in Kanpur, Dubey, was being brought to Kanpur from Ujjain, where he had surrendered, when he attempted to flee after the vehicle carrying him overturned, according to police. During the hearing, the court asked the producers whether there was any hint in the promotional material that the web series has anything to do with Dubey.
The counsel for the producers replied in negative and added that it was a work of fiction and the name of the character in the web series was Vishal Dubey.
As the petitioner’s counsel insisted that the release of the series be postponed, the judge said, “After taking their statement on record, I cannot interdict now.”
In her plea, Dubey’s wife claimed that the web series was produced on her and her deceased husband’s private and marital life, without her consent.
The plea said Dubey’s sons were still undergoing emotional, social and psychological consequences of their father’s death and have consciously chosen to live away from public glare.
It said the depiction of the series is fictionalised, exaggerated and sensational, aimed solely at commercial gain.
“The petitioner apprehends that the film will permanently damage her dignity; subject her and her sons to public ridicule and also re-open the past trauma and may endanger her social standing and safety,” the plea added.
