The Delhi High Court on Thursday indicated that it would pass interim orders in separate lawsuits filed by BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut and Telugu film actor Vijay Deverakonda seeking protection of their personality rights against unauthorised use of their identities and attributes.
Justice Vikas Mahajan issued summons to the defendants in both cases after hearing submissions concerning AI-generated content, impersonation and alleged misuse of the actors’ personalities.
Ranaut has sought the removal of objectionable online material, including sexually explicit and pornographic content, fabricated news reports and AI-generated posts falsely attributing statements to her.
Her counsel submitted that the circulation of such material amounted to misuse of her identity. The court was also informed about the existence of memes and objectionable satirical content involving the actor.
However, Ranaut’s lawyer clarified that she was not seeking interim relief against memes or satirical content at this stage. The immediate request was confined to other forms of objectionable material identified in the lawsuit.
Vijay Deverakonda Raises Unauthorised Commercial Use of Identity
In a separate proceeding, Vijay Deverakonda approached the High Court over the alleged exploitation of his personality for commercial purposes without his consent.
Appearing for the actor, senior counsel submitted that third parties were using elements associated with Deverakonda’s identity to sell merchandise and engage in other commercial activities.
The court was further informed about AI-generated social media posts, impersonation, false endorsements and content involving abusive language.
Following the submissions, Justice Mahajan issued summons to the defendants and indicated that an interim order would also be passed in Deverakonda’s case.
Several Public Figures Have Secured Similar Relief
The two lawsuits follow similar proceedings initiated by public figures seeking judicial protection against unauthorised use of their names, images and other personality attributes.
The Delhi High Court has previously granted interim relief in personality and publicity rights cases involving actors Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and Salman Khan, Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, journalist Sudhir Chaudhary, podcaster Raj Shamani, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and cricketer Abhishek Sharma.
The interim orders in the lawsuits filed by Ranaut and Deverakonda are yet to be pronounced.
