The Delhi High Court has stepped in to protect Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor’s rights. Recently, the court issued a temporary order to block several social media accounts and websites that were using Kapoor’s name and image without permission. This ruling came from Justice Tushar Rao Gedela on April 29, following a lawsuit filed by the actor.
The court granted an immediate injunction, finding that multiple defendants had been exploiting Kapoor’s identity for commercial purposes. This included selling items like T-shirts and posters and promoting events without approval.
The ruling emphasized that the defendants had no authorization to use Kapoor’s personality rights. The court specified that any unauthorized use would infringe on the actor’s rights.
In its order, the court directed major technology platforms like Google and Meta to remove the infringing content. These platforms must also provide information about the users behind the accounts sharing this material.
Kapoor’s legal team, led by advocate Pravin Anand, pointed out the unauthorized commercial use of the actor’s identity. They also raised concerns about explicit online content, including deepfake videos created with AI.
Responding to this, the court ordered the immediate removal of such content. It stated, “It is clear that those using AI to create inappropriate and offensive videos are violating the personality rights of the plaintiff. These videos could seriously harm the actor’s image.”
The court also addressed claims from intermediaries who suggested some of the content fell under parody or satire. While it acknowledged that could be true in some cases, it found that much of the content clearly infringed on Kapoor’s rights.
In its findings, the court recognized Kapoor’s public persona as a valuable asset developed through his film career and media presence, which is protected by personality rights law.
Additionally, the court has allowed Kapoor to take further legal steps against any new instances of infringement. Another hearing is set for October 10.
