The Delhi High Court has granted interim relief to actor Varun Dhawan in a case related to online misuse of his identity, directing him to remove AI-generated deepfakes, unauthorized business listings and other content allegedly exploiting his name and likeness without consent.
Delhi HC protects personality rights of Varun Dhawan, directs removal of AI-generated content
In an order passed on May 29, Justice Jyoti Singh said Dhavan has established a prima facie case for protection and he is entitled to immediate relief pending further proceedings in the case. The actor had approached the court seeking safeguards against dissemination of manipulated content on digital platforms, fake endorsements and commercial misuse of his personality.
The court said that some of the content in question included AI-generated images and videos depicting Dhawan in inappropriate situations, including content of obscene nature. Taking a serious view of the issue, the court said that such material could cause significant damage to the actor’s reputation and mislead the public.
“The plaintiff is entitled to be protected against the dissemination of obscene material as well as AI-generated images portraying him in inappropriate scenarios. Such obscene material is damaging and damaging to the plaintiff’s reputation and may mislead the public into believing that what is depicted may be true. The plaintiff’s right to prevent third parties from infringing and passing on also needs to be protected,” the court said.
Under its directions, the high court restrained various websites, e-commerce platforms and social media intermediaries from violating Dhawan’s publicity and personality rights. The order bans the use of the actor’s name, image, voice, likeness, signature or any other identifiable characteristic for commercial or personal gain without permission.
The court also directed major technology companies including Google, Meta Platform and X Corporation to provide basic customer information of users responsible for sharing allegedly infringing content. Additionally, social media moderators have been directed to remove any newly identified infringing content within 36 hours of being informed by the actor.
Representing Dhawan, senior advocate Sandeep Sethi argued that several online sellers were marketing goods using the actor’s identity without permission. The legal team also highlighted instances where booking agencies were claiming to secure Dhawan’s presence for performances and events despite allegedly having no authorization to do so.
According to the lawsuit, Dhawan has secured trademark registrations for both his name and signature. The actor argued that unauthorized use of these identifiers is a violation of his legal rights and creates confusion among consumers.
The order marks another significant judicial intervention in the growing debate over artificial intelligence, celebrity identity protection and misuse of digital technologies. As AI-generated content becomes increasingly sophisticated, courts in India are being called upon more frequently to address concerns related to reputation, privacy and personality rights.
For now, the Delhi High Court judgment provides interim protection to Dhawan till the hearing of the case continues.
