Delhi HC Order in Aishwarya Rai Case Strengthens ‘Right of Publicity’: Lawyer Pravin Anand
The Delhi High Court has granted interim relief to actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
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The Delhi High Court has granted interim relief to actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, restraining the unauthorized use of her name, image, and personality. The court barred any digital or AI-generated content — including deepfakes, morphed images, and misleading ads — that commercially exploits her identity without consent.
Aishwarya’s counsel, Pravin Anand, called the order “hugely significant,” stating that it lays a strong foundation for the Right of Publicity in India. “In India, there is no separate statute for the Right of Publicity. It is protected as an extension of the Right to Privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution. This decision is not just about celebrities; it applies equally to ordinary individuals whose names, voices, or likeness are exploited online,” Anand said in a statement from Japan.
The court emphasized that the unauthorized use of a celebrity’s persona causes not just financial loss but also damages their dignity and reputation. Tech giants including Google and e-commerce platforms have been directed to take down flagged URLs within 72 hours of receiving notice, and to submit details of violators in a sealed envelope. The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has also been ordered to issue blocking directions.
Rai’s legal team pointed out that her name was being misused to sell mugs, T-shirts, and beverages, while fraudulent entities like “Aishwarya Nation Wealth” falsely listed her as president. They also flagged obscene and AI-generated content circulating online, calling it a gross violation of her dignity and a misleading attempt to associate her with ventures she had no connection to.
The court noted that as one of India’s most recognizable actors and a global brand ambassador, such misuse had caused her serious reputational harm. The interim injunction will remain in effect until the next hearing on January 15, 2026.
