Delhi HC refuses to stay release of web series ‘UP 77’ based on gangster Vikas Dubey

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to halt the release of the web series UP 77, which is purportedly based on the life of slain gangster Vikas Dubey. The series is scheduled to premiere on the Waves OTT platform on December 25.

A day earlier, the High Court had issued notice to the Union government and the makers of the series after a petition was filed by Richa Dubey, objecting to the show’s release. The plea was moved just days ahead of the scheduled premiere.

Justice Sachin Datta, who was hearing a plea by Dubey's wife Richa seeking to stop the release of the web series, said the court is not inclined to interfere with its release at this stage.

The court recorded the statement of the web series' producers that it is a work of pure fiction and has nothing to do with Dubey's life. It also asked the producers to issue a public statement to this effect.

The court listed the matter for further hearing on January 7, 2026.

Vikas Dubey, a notorious gangster from Uttar Pradesh, was killed in July 2020 in a police encounter after he allegedly attempted to flee custody while being transported by the Uttar Pradesh Police.