Delhi High Court Makes Amitabh Bachchan’s Personality Rights Protection Permanent, Bans Unauthorised Use of Name, Voice and Photos

The Delhi High Court has delivered a significant ruling in favour of Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, permanently restraining the unauthorised use of his name, photographs, voice and other elements associated with his identity.

The court has prohibited individuals and companies from using any aspect of the actor’s personality without his consent. However, such use will be permitted if prior authorisation is obtained from the actor. Anyone violating the order may face strict legal action.

Protection Against Misuse of Amitabh Bachchan’s Identity

Several companies and individuals had allegedly been using Amitabh Bachchan’s photographs, voice and name on their products and promotional materials without his permission. Such activities were reportedly affecting the actor’s reputation and commercial interests.

With this ruling, no individual or organisation can exploit his popularity to promote or sell products without authorisation. The order also prohibits the creation of fake websites, mobile applications and advertisements using his name, photographs or other identity-related elements.

Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav of the Delhi High Court has issued the final order, making permanent the interim injunction granted earlier in the case.

Case Filed by Amitabh Bachchan in 2022

The legal proceedings originated from a petition filed by Amitabh Bachchan in 2022. In his petition, the actor alleged that certain individuals were misusing his popularity and identity for financial gain without obtaining his consent.

In November 2022, the Delhi High Court had granted an interim injunction restraining the unauthorised use of his name, image, voice and other personality attributes. The court has now made that protection permanent.

During the proceedings, several instances of identity misuse came to light. These included the development of a fake video-call application using the actor’s identity, publishing quiz books, selling posters and registering website domains in his name without permission.

The latest ruling strengthens the legal protection available to Amitabh Bachchan against the commercial exploitation of his personality and identity.