Delhi High Court Rules in Amitabh Bachchan’s Favour, Bans Unauthorised Commercial Use of His Name, Image and Voice

Amitabh Bachchan Gets Delhi HC Protection Against Unauthorised Use of His Name, Image and Voice

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has secured legal protection against the unauthorised use of his identity for commercial purposes. The Delhi High Court has passed an order restraining individuals, organisations and unidentified entities from exploiting the actor’s name, photographs, voice and likeness without his consent.

The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by Bachchan seeking protection of his personality and publicity rights, along with damages over the alleged misuse of his identity. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav delivered the order on November 5, granting relief to the veteran actor.

According to Live Law, the court passed a decree against eight defendants. While four parties agreed to settle the dispute with Bachchan, the remaining four failed to contest the proceedings. The court’s directions also extend to unidentified individuals and entities, commonly described as John Does.

The order prevents the unauthorised commercial exploitation of Bachchan’s identity, including the use of his name, image, voice and other identifiable attributes to promote products, services or platforms without his approval.

FAKE LOTTERY MESSAGES, APPS AND MERCHANDISE UNDER SCRUTINY

In his petition, Bachchan highlighted several instances in which his identity was allegedly being exploited to attract consumers and generate revenue.

The examples included a mobile application titled ‘Amitabh Bachchan Video Call’, fraudulent Kaun Banega Crorepati lottery messages circulated through WhatsApp, a general knowledge quiz book featuring his photograph, and merchandise such as posters and T-shirts carrying his images.

The actor also raised concerns about websites using his name without authorisation. He argued that such activities could mislead members of the public into believing that he was associated with or endorsed the products and services being advertised.

Through the legal action, Bachchan sought to prevent third parties from commercially benefiting from his popularity and public image without obtaining his consent.

FOUR DEFENDANTS AGREE TO SETTLEMENT

During the proceedings, defendants numbered 1, 3, 5 and 8 reached an agreement with the actor. They acknowledged his publicity rights and right to privacy and undertook not to use his name, image, voice, likeness or other identifying features without his express permission.

The court accepted the settlement after finding that the agreement had been entered into voluntarily and without coercion. It also permitted the settlement terms to be incorporated into the final decree under Order XXIII Rule 3 of the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC).

The court observed that the parties had willingly accepted the terms of the agreement.

COURT PASSES DECREE AGAINST FOUR OTHER DEFENDANTS

The remaining defendants, identified as numbers 2, 4, 6 and 9, did not appear before the court or submit written statements despite being served with summons.

Consequently, the court proceeded against them under Order VIII Rule 10 of the CPC. Justice Kaurav clarified that this provision should not be applied mechanically in every matter. However, the court found that the circumstances of the case did not require a full trial to resolve disputed factual issues.

The court also took note of the potential harm caused when a celebrity’s identity is used without permission, particularly when such use creates a false impression of endorsement or commercial association.

PROTECTION ALSO COVERS UNIDENTIFIED USERS

An important aspect of the ruling is its coverage of unidentified individuals and organisations that may be exploiting Bachchan’s identity through digital platforms, websites, mobile applications and messaging services.

The court recognised the difficulties involved in identifying every person responsible for such activities, particularly when anonymous accounts and online platforms are involved.

With this order, Bachchan has secured judicial protection against the unauthorised commercial use of his personality. The decision also highlights the growing legal importance of personality and publicity rights in an era when celebrities’ identities can be exploited across digital platforms and commercial channels.