Actor Rakesh Bedi has moved the Delhi High Court seeking protection of his personality rights, the suit initially listed before Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani and then sent to the Intellectual Property Division bench. The suit, titled Rakesh Bedi v. John Doe, adds to a growing line of celebrity personality-rights cases in which courts have restrained the unauthorised commercial use of a public figure’s name, voice, image and likeness, including through AI and deepfakes.
Hearing actress Meenakshi Chaudhary’s suit to protect her personality rights, the Delhi High Court granted an ex parte interim order to take down obscene and sexually explicit content, but declined a blanket injunction, with Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani stressing that a plaintiff must show the unauthorised commercial monetisation of her personality traits. The Court, weighing similar suits by other public figures, is examining the larger question with the help of amici curiae.
The Delhi High Court has granted an interim injunction restraining unauthorised commercial use of actor NTR Jr’s name, image and persona on online platforms. The Court ordered the takedown of infringing merchandise and digital content within 72 hours, recognising strong personality and publicity rights.
The Delhi High Court issued a restraining order against various platforms and channels for infringing on the rights of “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.” The order, including John Doe parties, prohibits hosting, streaming, and exhibiting copyrighted material. The use of a John Doe order highlights its importance in protecting intellectual property rights in the digital age, especially in cases involving digital content.
