Delhi High Court Protects Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Personality Rights, Bars Unauthorized Use of Name, Image, and Voice

In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has granted interim protection to Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, prohibiting the unauthorized commercial use of her name, image, voice, and other distinctive attributes. The court’s decision addresses concerns over the exploitation of her persona, including the creation of AI-generated content and the sale of merchandise without consent.

Court’s Ruling and Directives
Justice Tejas Karia, delivering the order, emphasized that the unauthorized use of a celebrity’s identity not only causes commercial harm but also infringes upon their right to live with dignity. The court directed various entities to remove infringing content within 72 hours, including websites like aishwaryaworld.com and apkpure.com, which were found to be misusing her likeness for commercial gain. Additionally, the court instructed the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to issue directions to disable all such URLs within seven days.

Legal Precedents and Implications
This ruling aligns with previous decisions by the Delhi High Court, which has consistently upheld the protection of personality rights for public figures. In similar cases, the court has restrained the unauthorized use of actors’ names, images, and voices, recognizing the potential harm to their reputation and dignity. The current case further underscores the growing importance of safeguarding personality rights in the digital age.

Relevance to Indian Context, Especially Tier-2 Cities
The misuse of celebrity identities is a concern that extends beyond metropolitan areas. In Tier-2 cities, where access to digital platforms is increasing, the unauthorized use of public figures’ personas can lead to widespread misinformation and exploitation. The court’s intervention serves as a precedent for protecting individuals’ rights against digital misuse, emphasizing the need for awareness and legal recourse in smaller cities.

Conclusion
The Delhi High Court’s decision to protect Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s personality rights marks a crucial step in addressing the challenges posed by digital exploitation. As technology continues to evolve, the legal system’s proactive approach sets a precedent for safeguarding individuals’ identities, ensuring that their dignity and reputation are upheld in the digital realm.