Actor Salman Khan has approached the Delhi High Court to safeguard his personality rights, citing unauthorized use of his image and likeness. The plea, filed through his legal representatives, seeks interim protections to prevent commercial exploitation without consent.
The court has scheduled the first hearing for December 11, 2024. Khan’s legal team argues that recent incidents, including unauthorized endorsements and digital impersonations, have caused significant reputational harm. They referenced India’s existing laws on personality rights, which grant celebrities control over their image for commercial purposes.
Personality rights in India are derived from the country’s intellectual property framework and tort principles. Courts have previously upheld that individuals “including public figures” possess the right to control the commercial use of their identity. Khan’s petition emphasizes that unauthorized commercialization violates this right and constitutes unfair trade practice.
Khan’s lawyers highlighted specific cases of alleged infringement, including an e-commerce platform using his likeness for a product launch without permission. They also mentioned social media deepfake videos falsely attributing statements to the actor. The petition requests injunctions against such entities and compensation for damages.
The case follows a broader trend of Indian celebrities seeking legal safeguards against digital misuse. In 2022, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a film star whose face was used in an advertisement without consent, reinforcing the protectability of personality rights. Legal experts suggest Khan’s case could set a precedent for how courts balance celebrity rights with freedom of expression.
Reacting to the development, a spokesperson for Khan stated, “The actor has consistently advocated for ethical use of his image. This legal step is necessary to deter exploitation and maintain artistic integrity.” Industry representatives, however, caution that overly strict controls could impact legitimate media coverage and fan engagement.
The December 11 hearing will focus on whether interim relief should be granted while the full case proceeds. If approved, it would immediately bar defendants from using Khan’s image commercially. Analysts predict a lengthy litigation process, given the complex interplay of intellectual property, digital law, and public interest considerations.
Outcome expectations vary. Some legal scholars believe Khan’s high-profile status increases chances of favorable rulings, while others warn courts may adopt cautious approaches to avoid censorship claims. Regardless of the outcome, the case underscores growing demands for clarity in India’s digital personality rights landscape.
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