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Delhi High Court to Rule on Abhishek Bachchan's Personality Rights

In a recent session, the Delhi High Court announced it will soon deliver a verdict on actor Abhishek Bachchan's request to safeguard his publicity and personality rights. He seeks to prevent various websites and platforms from exploiting his likeness, image, and persona, including the use of inappropriate content.

Justice Tejas Karia acknowledged the submission made by Bachchan's legal team regarding the parties involved in the case.

The court indicated that a decision would be forthcoming.

Previously, on September 9, the court also addressed a similar request from Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek's wife, who aimed to protect her own personality rights against unauthorized use of her name and images, including AI-generated explicit content.

The court is expected to issue a temporary order regarding Rai's case, which would restrict the defendant's online activities.

In 2023, their daughter, Aaradhya Bachchan, also approached the high court to eliminate misleading information about her health.

Abhishek's attorney, Pravin Anand, highlighted that the defendants are producing AI-generated videos and fake photographs of the actor, including explicit material.

Bachchan's representation included advocates Ameet Naik, Madhu Gadodia, and Dhruv Anand.

During the proceedings, Bachchan's counsel emphasized his global recognition and the significant goodwill he has garnered over the years.

Anand noted that Bachchan has received 57 awards, including nine Filmfare accolades, and is actively involved in promoting major sports events like Kabaddi and the Indian Super League for football.

He asserted that the rights being claimed encompass publicity and personality rights, copyright, and issues of passing off.

The defendants, some of whom remain unidentified, are accused of utilizing AI and deepfake technology to create inappropriate videos and images featuring Bachchan.

The counsel argued that these unauthorized images and videos are damaging, and the defendants are also engaged in illegal merchandising, including selling posters and photographs falsely attributed to the actor.

The court raised concerns about including URLs in the order, as making them public could inadvertently harm the individual's rights.

The lawyer assured that immediate action would be taken to block the offending websites.

The high court has scheduled further proceedings for Bachchan's case on November 7, with a follow-up on January 15, 2026. Rai's case will also be addressed on those dates.

Personality rights, or the right to publicity, allow individuals to control and profit from their image, name, or likeness.

Bachchan's plea seeks to protect various aspects of his persona, including his name, voice, image, distinctive dialogue delivery style, and signature.

The suit lists several defendants, including Bollywood Tee Shop, Tee Public, Ice Poster, Top Pix, Wallpaper Cave, Wallpaper.com, GM Authentic Autos LLC, JS Sham Rock, and Etsy.

Additionally, it names YouTube channels such as AI MH 39, Eat with Celebrities, Enjoy with Celebrities, All In 1, and Game with Giri, along with Google LLC, the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and the Department of Telecommunications.

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