The impending release of the much-anticipated web series 'UP 77' has hit a major legal roadblock. The show, which dramatises the life of slain Kanpur gangster Vikas Dubey, is now facing a lawsuit from his family just days before its scheduled premiere.
Legal Notice Served Ahead of Release
Richa Dubey, the widow of Vikas Dubey, has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court seeking an immediate stay on the series' release. The show is set to start streaming on an OTT platform on December 25, 2025. In response to the plea, Justice Sachin Datta of the Delhi High Court has issued formal notices to both the Union government and the creators of the controversial series.
The legal action was initiated after Richa Dubey and her legal team viewed promotional material and alleged that the narrative unjustly intrudes into private family matters. Her counsel, advocate Azra Rehman, confirmed the filing to ANI, stating the primary objection revolves around the depiction of Richa's personal life without consent.
Core Objections: Privacy and Family Dignity
The heart of the legal challenge lies in the alleged violation of privacy. According to the petition, 'UP 77' goes beyond portraying criminal activities and delves deeply into the personal and emotional sphere of Vikas Dubey's family.
"The petition that has been moved before the Delhi High Court is by Richa Dubey, wife of the deceased Vikas Dubey. The primary objection is that this concerns her personal life," Rehman stated clearly. She elaborated that the series includes depictions of Dubey's love story, private family moments, and chapters on his family life, which are claimed to be highly sensitive and private.
Rehman emphasised the potential impact on the family, particularly the children. "They have depicted how he developed as a gangster, his private life, his love story, and a chapter on his family life. It will affect the petitioner and her sons and ridicule their personal and emotional lives," she argued. The case is now listed for the appearance of the private respondents, which include the makers of the series.
About the Controversial Series 'UP 77'
The web series 'UP 77' stars actor Vikram Kochhar in the lead role of Vishal Dubey, a character inspired by the infamous gangster from Kanpur. Based on the trailer, the show promises a gritty portrayal of his violent ascent in the world of crime, his notorious clashes with the Uttar Pradesh Police, and the atmosphere of fear he allegedly cultivated.
The real-life Vikas Dubey was killed in a police encounter in July 2020, following an alleged attempt to escape from custody after his arrest for masterminding an ambush that led to the death of eight policemen. The series' attempt to fictionalise these events has now sparked a significant legal and ethical debate about the boundaries of creative expression versus the right to privacy of affected families.
This legal battle underscores the growing tension between biographical storytelling on digital platforms and the privacy rights of individuals connected to such stories. The Delhi High Court's decision in this matter will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for how similar content is treated in the future.
