Abhishek Bachchan moves Delhi High Court after Aishwarya Rai seeking protection of personality rights against misuse of his name, image, voice and photos by websites and YouTube channels.
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NEW DELHI: In a growing menace of online impersonation, Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan has approached the Delhi High Court seeking protection of his personality rights. His plea aims to prevent the unauthorized use of his name, image, photographs, voice, and performances by websites, YouTube channels, and other online platforms for commercial or personal gain.
This development comes of a similar plea filed earlier this week by his wife, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who had raised concerns regarding the misuse of her images and likeness online.
Court Proceedings
The plea was heard by Justice Tejas Karia of the Delhi High Court. During the hearing, Justice Karia suggested that the Court could pass an order directing Google to take down links featuring content that violated Bachchan’s personality and related rights, provided a list of specific URLs was submitted.
“We can ask Google to take down. You have to give URL specific to each other. If you can identify the platform, it can be easily done,”
Justice Karia remarked.
He further clarified that such orders must be passed defendant-wise and cannot be issued in a blanket form.
Advocate Pravin Anand, appearing for Bachchan, assured the Court that the specific details and URL lists could be provided later in the day. The matter was therefore passed over and is expected to be heard again in the afternoon.
Key Concerns Raised
Abhishek Bachchan’s plea highlights the following major issues:
- Unauthorized use of persona: His name, image, likeness, signature, voice, and performances are being misused by online platforms.
- AI-generated and deepfake videos: Content morphing his image and distorting his persona is being circulated on social media.
- Fake merchandise and autographs: Unauthorized sale of merchandise, wallpapers, and even autographs purportedly signed by him.
- Sexually objectionable material: Some platforms are circulating objectionable content linked to his persona, which his counsel argued was insulting and could create misunderstandings.
Legal Reliefs Sought
Bachchan’s legal team has urged the Court to grant protection against:
- Infringement of publicity and personality rights
- Trademark infringement and passing off
- Unfair competition and dilution
- Tarnishment of reputation
- Defamation
The reliefs have been sought against several platforms, including YouTube channels, online marketplace Etsy (Ireland), wallpaper sites, and merchandise sellers such as Bollywood Tee Shop.
This is not the first time the Delhi High Court has been approached for such concerns. Just yesterday, Justice Karia had considered Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s plea, hinting that he may pass orders to protect her personality rights against unauthorized online misuse, particularly AI-generated content and morphed images.
Case title:
Abhishek Bachchan v. The Bollywood Tee Shop and Ors.
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