The Delhi High Court has granted an interim injunction (temporary order) to protect Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan’s personality rights. Accordingly, online platforms are now banned from illegally using
his name or images for commercial purposes.
The court observed that Bachchan’s persona, including his name, images, and signature, were being exploited by various websites and platforms without his consent, by utilizing technological tools like Artificial Intelligence.
“These attributes are linked to the plaintiff’s professional work and associations in the course of his career. The unauthorized use of such attributes has the effect of diluting the goodwill and reputation associated with him,” Justice Tejas Karia said in an order passed on September 10 and was made available on Friday.
The high court said Bachchan has established a good prima facie case for the grant of an ex-parte injunction and the balance of convenience also tilts in his favour.
Bachchan presented a strong prima facie case for an ex-parte injunction, and the balance of convenience favors him, noted the court.
It also emphasized that without an injunction, Bachchan and his family would suffer irreparable damage, both financially and in terms of his right to live with dignity.
“The balance of convenience lies in favour of the plaintiff and if an injunction is not granted in the present case, it will lead to an irreparable loss or harm to the plaintiff and his family, not only financially but also with respect to his right to live with dignity,” it said.
The court passed the interim order on a plea by Bachchan seeking to protect his personality rights and restrain online platforms from illegally using his name, images and AI-generated inappropriate and sexually explicit content.
The lawsuit addresses the unauthorized commercial exploitation of various aspects of Bachchan’s personality, including his name, image, likeness, persona, and voice.
Personality rights, also known as the right to publicity, allow individuals to protect, control, and profit from the use of their image, name, or likeness.
(With inputs from PTI)
