Delhi High Court Upholds Celebrity Personality Rights
Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has secured a significant legal victory, with the Delhi High Court issuing a permanent injunction on November 5. The ruling strictly prohibits the unauthorized commercial use of his name, image, voice, and other aspects of his identity. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav passed the order, concluding legal proceedings that sought to protect Bachchan's publicity and privacy rights.
Bachchan had approached the court to prevent the misuse of his persona for commercial gain. His plea highlighted instances of unauthorized use across digital platforms and various commercial products, emphasizing the need for robust protection against such infringements.
Unauthorized Uses Targeted by Lawsuit
The legal action addressed a range of unauthorized commercial activities. These included mobile applications, such as one titled 'Amitabh Bachchan Video Call,' and WhatsApp messages featuring the actor's photograph to promote a purported 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' lottery.
The lawsuit also targeted a publisher selling a general knowledge quiz book bearing Bachchan’s image, as well as defendants involved in the sale of posters and the registration of internet domain names that exploited his identity without permission. These specific examples underscored the pervasive nature of the infringements Bachchan sought to combat.
Defendants Settle, Court Extends Protection
During the court proceedings, four defendants reached a settlement with Amitabh Bachchan. They formally acknowledged his publicity and privacy rights and committed to refraining from using his name, image, voice, likeness, or any other aspect of his persona without explicit permission. This included the deletion of a mobile application, the discontinuation of the unauthorized quiz book, and the cessation of poster sales.
The High Court also extended its relief to unidentified individuals, referred to as John Does, who failed to appear in court despite receiving summons. The court observed that the unauthorized use of Bachchan’s identity for commercial purposes could falsely imply his endorsement, warranting broad protection. This ensures that even future or currently unknown infringers are covered by the injunction.
Path Forward for Bachchan
The court determined that the case did not require a full trial to establish disputed facts, allowing the relief to be granted through a decree. Furthermore, the ruling permits Amitabh Bachchan to initiate new legal proceedings should any new cause of action arise, ensuring ongoing protection of his personality rights against future exploitation.