Delhi High Court Clears Release of ‘UP 77’ After Producers Call It Fiction
The Delhi High Court has refused to stay the release of the upcoming web series UP 77 after the producers clarified that the show is not based on the life of gangster Vikas Dubey.
The plea was filed by Dubey’s wife, Richa Dubey, who claimed that the series portrayed unauthorised biographical details, private incidents, and sensationalised events linked to her late husband. She argued that this amounted to a violation of her family’s right to privacy, dignity, and reputation under Article 21 of the Constitution.
During the hearing, Justice Sachin Datta recorded the producer’s categorical statement that UP 77 is a pure work of fiction and does not depict any real person. The Court was also informed that a clear disclaimer will be displayed before every episode, and that the promotional material will not name Vikas Dubey.
Taking note of these assurances, the Court said there was no reason to interfere with the release of the series at this stage. The producer has been directed to file an affidavit confirming the undertaking regarding the disclaimer.
The matter will be heard next on 7 January 2026. Earlier, the Court had also issued notices to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Waves OTT, the platform where the series is set to stream.
The background of the case traces back to the killing of Vikas Dubey in July 2020 during a police encounter, which later became the subject of judicial scrutiny. A commission headed by former Supreme Court judge B S Chauhan eventually gave a clean chit to the Uttar Pradesh Police, while recommending action against officials who had patronised Dubey.
