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New Delhi:
In a significant move addressing the growing misuse of celebrity identities online, the Delhi High Court has stepped in to protect the personality rights of actor R Madhavan, ordering strict action against the unauthorised use of his name, image, and likeness across digital platforms.
The court issued an interim order restraining individuals and entities from commercially exploiting the actor’s identity, including the sale of unauthorised merchandise, circulation of misleading promotional material, and the spread of obscene or objectionable content linked to his persona. The ruling highlights the judiciary’s increasing concern over the unchecked misuse of technology and artificial intelligence to manipulate public figures’ images.
R Madhavan approached the court after discovering that his likeness was being misused in fake movie trailers, AI-generated visuals, and explicit online material, all circulated without his consent. Some of the fabricated content falsely suggested his involvement in upcoming films, misleading fans and risking reputational harm to the actor.
During the hearing, the court observed that a celebrity’s identity is an extension of their personal and professional dignity and cannot be exploited for profit without permission. The bench made it clear that digital platforms and sellers cannot take advantage of an actor’s popularity to generate revenue or attention through deceptive or offensive material.
The order also directed immediate removal of obscene and defamatory content, recognising the psychological and reputational damage such material can cause. The court acknowledged that emerging technologies like deepfakes and AI-generated videos pose serious threats to personal autonomy and privacy if left unregulated.
Legal experts believe this decision strengthens the concept of personality rights in India, setting an important precedent for actors and public figures dealing with online identity theft and digital impersonation. The case reflects a growing trend of celebrities seeking legal protection against unauthorised digital exploitation. The matter will be reviewed further in upcoming hearings, with the court expected to issue more detailed guidelines on handling digital misuse of celebrity images. For now, the interim relief sends a strong message celebrity identity is not public property, and misuse will invite serious legal consequences.
