Delhi HC Refuses to Stay ‘UP 77’ Release Ahead of OTT Debut

December 24, 2025

New Delhi, Dec 24: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to stay the release of the upcoming web series “UP 77” despite a plea challenging its portrayal, court sources said. The decision comes just ahead of the series scheduled premiere on the Waves OTT platform on December 25, 2025.

The plea was filed by Richa Dubey, the widow of slain gangster Vikas Dubey, who argued that the show depicts private aspects of her late husband’s life without consent and causes invasion of privacy and dignity

Court Notes Fiction Claim by Producers

During the hearing, Justice Sachin Datta noted that the producers categorically stated the web series is a work of pure fiction and not based on any real person’s life. The court also recorded that a disclaimer will be shown before every episode clarifying this position.

The producers further agreed to file an affidavit and public statement emphasizing that the series does not portray actual events or names linked to Vikas Dubey, and that promotional material will avoid naming any real individuals.

In view of these assurances, the court said it was not inclined to interdict the release at this stage.

Legal Challenge by Vikas Dubey’s Wife

The petition filed by Richa Dubey alleged that the series contains “unauthorized biographical depiction, sensationalized personal events and private incidents” that could harm her and her family’s reputation and violate their rights under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The plea sought to halt the certification, streaming, promotion, and exhibition of the series, claiming the content was being marketed as “based on true events” and “inspired by real incidents” without seeking permission.

Next Hearing Scheduled

The court has listed the matter for further hearing on January 7, 2026, and directed the producers to submit the affidavit as per the undertaking given regarding the fiction disclaimer.

Background: Who Was Vikas Dubey

Vikas Dubey was a notorious Uttar Pradesh gangster accused of killing eight police personnel in Kanpur. He was killed in a police encounter in July 2020 while being transported after surrendering to authorities.