The Delhi High Court has granted interim protection to actor Naga Chaitanya’s personality and publicity rights.
The Court restrained several entities from using his name, image, voice, likeness, and other aspects of his identity without authorisation. The order covers AI-generated content, deepfakes, online videos, and merchandise.
Justice Jyoti Singh passed the order on May 29, 2026, in CS(COMM) 644/2026.
The Court observed that unauthorised exploitation of a celebrity’s identity can cause commercial harm. Moreover, it can infringe the individual’s privacy and dignity rights.
Actor Alleges Widespread Misuse of Identity
Naga Chaitanya approached the Delhi High Court seeking protection against several online entities.
According to the suit, various platforms used his name, image, and likeness without permission.
The actor specifically complained about AI-generated content, deepfakes, pornographic material, and merchandise featuring his identity.
He argued that such content misled the public, damaged his reputation, and violated his personality and publicity rights.
Court Recognises Risks of AI-Generated Content
While granting interim relief, the Court acknowledged the growing threat posed by AI-generated content.
Justice Singh noted that unauthorised use of a celebrity’s persona can cause substantial commercial and reputational harm.
Furthermore, the Court observed that AI-generated images and pornographic content can mislead viewers into believing that the depicted events are genuine.
According to the Court, such content directly affects a celebrity’s privacy, dignity, and public image.
The Court stated:
“Plaintiff is entitled to protection against dissemination of pornographic content as well as AI-generated images portraying him in an inappropriate scenario. Such a distasteful content is harming and damaging the reputation of the Plaintiff and may mislead the public into believing what is depicted may be true.”
Court Restrains Use of Name, Voice and Likeness
The High Court issued an injunction against Defendants 6, 7, and 11.
The order also binds their agents, affiliates, representatives, and associates.
The Court prohibited them from using or exploiting Naga Chaitanya’s name, image, voice, likeness, or any other element of his persona without authorisation.
Importantly, the injunction extends to emerging technologies.
It specifically covers Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, Machine Learning, Deepfakes, AI Chatbots, Face Morphing, and similar technologies.
The defendants cannot use these technologies for either commercial or personal gain.
High Court Orders Removal of Merchandise Listings
The Court also restrained the defendants from selling or promoting merchandise that infringes the actor’s personality rights.
Additionally, the Court prohibited any activity that could amount to passing off.
As part of the interim relief, Justice Singh directed the removal of online listings offering printed T-shirts bearing the actor’s identity.
Court Directs Immediate Takedown of Content
The High Court issued separate directions regarding allegedly infringing online content.
It directed Defendants 1 to 4 to remove URLs hosting pornographic and misleading material linked to the actor’s name.
Similarly, Defendant No. 8 must remove several YouTube videos and YouTube Shorts identified in the suit.
The Court ordered all concerned parties to comply with the takedown directions within 24 hours of receiving the order.
Interim Protection to Continue
The Court directed the plaintiff to comply with the requirements of Order XXXIX Rule 3 of the Code of Civil Procedure within one week.
Meanwhile, the interim injunction will continue until the next date of hearing.
The main suit seeking protection of Naga Chaitanya’s personality and publicity rights will continue before the Delhi High Court.
Case Details
Case: CS(COMM) 644/2026
Court: Delhi High Court
Judge: Justice Jyoti Singh
Plaintiff: Akkineni Naga Chaitanya
Decision Date: May 29, 2026
