The Delhi High Court has granted interim protection to actor Akkineni Naga Chaitanya in a personality rights suit alleging unauthorized commercial and online exploitation of his name, image and identity across pornographic websites, merchandise listings and digital platforms.
Justice Jyoti Singh heard the suit in which the actor contended that his personality rights were being violated through multiple categories of infringing content, including pornographic websites using his name in connection with explicit content, unauthorized merchandise bearing his likeness, AI-generated content, and allegedly false and defamatory videos circulating on online platforms.
During the hearing, Sr Advocate Vaibhav Gaggar appearing for the actor submitted that several websites were using combinations of the actor’s name with sexually explicit search terms to attract traffic and host objectionable content. The Court was also shown online merchandise listings offering products such as printed T-shirts and other goods bearing the actor’s name and likeness without authorization.
The Court took note of allegations concerning AI-generated and manipulated content featuring the actor as well as videos and posts relating to his personal life and past relationships. While examining the material, Justice Singh observed that different legal considerations may arise in relation to personality rights, AI-generated content, and allegedly defamatory commentary, particularly where content involves public figures and matters already in the public domain.
The plaintiff sought relief against pornographic websites, hosting entities, e-commerce and business listing platforms, as well as intermediaries including Google and YouTube. The Court was informed that certain merchandise listings had already been removed following issuance of legal notices, though links and references continued to remain accessible.
Taking note of the nature of the allegations, the Court proceeded to issue summons in the suit and directed the defendants concerned to respond. In relation to pornographic websites and recurring infringing content, the plaintiff also sought a dynamic injunction on the ground that new websites and URLs continue to emerge even after existing links are taken down.
The matter will now proceed for further consideration after responses are filed by the defendants, with the Court examining the scope of protection available to the actor’s personality rights against unauthorized commercial exploitation and online misuse of his identity.