Kangana Ranaut moves Delhi HC over alleged abuse of personality rights, AI content

The Delhi High Court on Thursday dismissed a plea filed by actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut seeking protection of her personality and right of publicity over concerns over alleged fake news and AI-generated content linked to her.

Justice Vikas Mahajan, hearing the matter, also issued a notice on Ranaut’s application seeking an injunction against the alleged unauthorized use of her name, image and personality.

Delhi HC examines online content cited by Ranaut

During the hearing, the court examined several web links given to it by Ranaut’s counsel. The material included an animated piece and a meme that appeared to be satirical, according to the court.

Ranaut’s lawyer clarified that he is not pushing for the removal of the content at this stage.

Advocate Saket Sikri, appearing for Ranaut, told the court that after an advance copy of the suit was served, some of the defendants had already removed the allegedly offensive material.

The court subsequently issued a summons to the lawsuit and a notice of Ranaut’s request for a preliminary injunction.

The court asks Ranaut’s legal representative to amend the parties’ memorandum

The Delhi High Court also directed Ranaut’s counsel to file an amended memorandum of parties, saying some of the accused were struck out of the proceedings.

The matter was adjourned for further hearing on 3 February 2027.

Personal rights cases involving Bollywood celebrities

The case comes against the backdrop of a series of proceedings before Indian courts, particularly the Delhi High Court, involving the personality and publicity rights of actors and other public figures.

The Delhi High Court had earlier granted protection to actor Amitabh Bachchan against unauthorized use of his name, image, voice and other attributes of his personality.

In another landmark judgment, the court protected Anil Kapoor’s personality rights, including his name, likeness, likeness, voice and distinctive expressions.

Similar reliefs have also been considered or granted in cases involving public figures, including Rajinikanth, Jackie Shroff, Arijit Singh and Sonu Nigam. These cases contributed to the growing judicial recognition of personality rights in cases involving the unauthorized commercial use and abuse of a celebrity’s identity.

Ranaut’s plea focuses on the issue in the context of alleged fake news, AI-generated material and other online content about her.