New Delhi: Govinda has taken legal steps to push back against what he describes as false, defamatory and unverified material circulating about him and his
family. The actor has issued a public notice cautioning media organisations, social media users, digital platforms and content creators against publishing or sharing such content.
The notice comes amid renewed speculation about Govinda’s personal life following a viral conversation between his wife, Sunita Ahuja, and actor Rakhi Sawant.
Govinda flags deepfakes and AI-generated content
Govinda’s notice specifically addresses digitally manipulated material, including morphed photographs, fabricated videos, altered audio, deepfakes and other content generated or modified using artificial intelligence, as per an IANS report.
The actor has stated that he has not authorised the use, reproduction or manipulation of his name, image, voice or identity, including material concerning his family, through AI or other digital technologies.
The notice warns that those responsible could face civil as well as criminal proceedings under applicable laws concerning defamation, privacy, identity misuse and cybercrime. It refers to provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Govinda has also warned that damages of up to Rs 100 crore could be sought from those found liable. The notice reportedly mentions additional legal remedies, including requests to freeze bank accounts, restrict property dealings and seize passports, depending on the circumstances.
YouTube channels, social media accounts also under scrutiny
The notice extends its warning to YouTube channels and social media accounts that allegedly publish or circulate misleading material about Govinda.
The actor has reportedly expressed concern that some such reports are not merely inaccurate but could be attempts to harm his reputation. Through the notice, he has sought to put content creators and digital publishers on notice against circulating material without verification.
The legal action comes shortly after Sunita Ahuja’s conversation with Rakhi Sawant gained attention online. During the interaction, Sunita reportedly claimed that she had withdrawn a divorce petition after learning that Govinda was planning to marry actress Rani Swarnkar.
However, Govinda’s latest public notice focuses on the alleged circulation of defamatory and manipulated content and should not be treated as confirmation of the personal-life claims circulating online.
Govinda was last seen in Rangeela Raja, which released in 2019.
