Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan has achieved a significant legal victory as the Delhi High Court granted him interim protection against the unauthorized use of his name, image, and voice in AI-generated content and deepfake material. This ruling emphasizes the growing need to protect personality rights in India amidst the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technologies that can mimic a celebrity’s likeness.
The court ordered the immediate removal of several URLs and listings that exploited Hrithik’s identity for commercial benefits without his consent. In delivering the ruling, Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora made it clear that while fan clubs and appreciation pages are not to be removed indiscriminately, specific online violations of Hrithik’s rights must be addressed. This clarion call against the misuse of AI technology reflects the broader concerns emerging within the entertainment industry regarding the integrity of personal identity.
The court noted that using a celebrity’s persona, whether through merchandise or AI-driven images and videos, infringes on their publicity and personality rights, which can damage their reputation and the trust they have cultivated with the public. With Hrithik’s case, the court underscored that the digital representation of an individual’s identity must be safeguarded from unauthorized exploitation.
This case adds to a growing number of similar legal actions from other high-profile figures, such as Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Karan Johar, who are also seeking protection from digital impersonation. Earlier judicial decisions directed major tech companies, including Meta and Google, to justify delays in removing manipulated content linked to celebrities, illustrating the rising urgency of these issues.
As the court prepares for its next hearing on March 27, 2026, where a more comprehensive injunction may be considered, Hrithik’s legal team is expected to pursue additional measures to protect his image and voice. The developments around his case are seen as potentially setting a precedent for Indian celebrities confronting the emerging AI deepfake challenges, creating a framework for the protection of identity and intellectual property in an increasingly digital world.
Overall, this legal decision represents a hopeful stride towards safeguarding artists’ rights, promoting responsible usage of AI technologies and emphasizing the importance of respecting individuals’ identities in the evolving landscape of entertainment and beyond.