Delhi High Court Issues Final Decree Protecting Amitabh Bachchan’s Personality Rights
The Delhi High Court has issued a final decree in favor of legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, permanently restraining multiple entities and unidentified individuals from commercially exploiting his name, image, voice, or likeness without explicit consent.
Presiding over the case, Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav concluded proceedings that originally began with an interim injunction in November 2022. Merging that earlier injunction into the final decree, the Court established that controlling the commercial use of one’s identity is an integral aspect of the “right to publicity.” Justice Kaurav observed that the unauthorized use of Bachchan’s persona falsely implied his official endorsement of various third-party products and services.
The legal battle commenced after Bachchan challenged the widespread, unauthorized commercialization of his identity across digital platforms and physical merchandise. Infringements included a mobile application named Amitabh Bachchan Video Call, fake Kaun Banega Crorepati lottery promotional messages, a general knowledge quiz book bearing his image, branded T-shirts, posters, and web domain registrations incorporating his name.
Importantly, the final decree extends protection against anonymous offenders, commonly designated as “John Does.” Acknowledging that individuals behind illegal websites, applications, and messaging campaigns often conceal their identities, the Court ensured the injunction covers untraceable infringers.
Four primary defendants Rajat Nagi, Manoj Publications, Tamatina, and Mahesh Patel settled out of court, formally recognizing Bachchan’s privacy and publicity rights. As part of their binding agreement, they ceased using his identity, deleted the video-call application, pulled the quiz books and posters from circulation, and surrendered the domain name amitabhbachchan.in.
The remaining defendants failed to file written statements or appear in court despite receiving legal notices. Concluding that no disputed facts required a formal trial, the High Court issued a summary judgment against them. Furthermore, the Court clarified that Bachchan retains the right to initiate fresh legal proceedings should any future unauthorized use of his persona arise. Stay tuned to know more about it and others only with us and if you have anything to share do comment below and share your thoughts.
