The Delhi High Court has granted interim relief to actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan by issuing a restraining order against several digital platforms and websites found to be exploiting her personality without consent. The court held that the unauthorised use of a public figure’s image, name, and likeness not only poses a threat to financial interests but also to personal dignity.
Justice Tejas Karia, in his order dated 9 September, released publicly on Thursday, observed that legal intervention was necessary to prevent further harm arising from the continued misuse of the actor’s identity across various online domains.
"When the identity of a famous personality is used without their consent or authorisation, it may not only lead to commercial detriment to the individual concerned but also impact their right to live with dignity," the court stated.
The judge further noted, "The courts in such cases of unauthorised exploitation of one's personality rights, cannot turn a blind-eye to the same and shall protect the aggrieved parties so as to avert any harm to them resulting from the said unauthorised exploitation."
The order comes in response to a civil suit filed by Rai, who sought to protect several facets of her personality, name, image, voice, likeness, and unique style, from being misappropriated for commercial purposes. The actor alleged that various online platforms were not only using her image to sell products without authorisation, but were also disseminating AI-generated pornographic content, amounting to severe invasion of privacy and reputational harm.
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The court found merit in her plea and agreed that a prima facie case existed for the grant of an ex parte injunction. "Balance of convenience lies in favour of the plaintiff and if an injunction is not granted in the present case, it will lead to an irreparable loss/harm to the plaintiff and her family, not only financially, but also with respect to her right to live with dignity," the court held.
Defendants named in the suit include websites such as aishwaryaworld.com, apkpure.com, bollywoodteeshop.com, and kashcollectiveco.com, which were allegedly selling merchandise using her name and photographs unlawfully.
Also cited in the suit are major entities including Google LLC, the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Department of Telecommunications, and e-commerce platform Etsy. Other named parties include a motivational speaking group styling itself as Aishwarya Nation Wealth, AI-generated character platforms like www.jainatorai.com, and YouTube channels such as @NewNWSTamil and @Bollywood_CinemaTV07.
The court’s decision underscores the increasing urgency for judicial intervention in matters involving artificial intelligence, digital content, and personality rights. As the digital realm continues to evolve, so do the challenges posed to public figures and their legal protections.
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