Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has approached the Delhi High Court seeking urgent protection of her personality rights after discovering that her name and images were being misused by rogue websites without authorization. In her petition, the actress alleged that this unauthorized use was not only misleading but also linked to online frauds that could potentially endanger her identity and reputation.
The court hearing, held earlier this month, was adjourned until January. However, Justice Karia made it clear that interim injunctions against the infringers are likely to be issued soon. According to the court’s remarks, 151 specific URLs were identified as part of the order. “We will pass orders against each of the defendants because the prayers are broad. But injunctions will be granted separately,” the judge observed.
Aishwarya Rai also requested that the injunctions extend to unidentified entities under a “John Doe” order, a legal provision designed to restrain unknown parties from misusing intellectual property or personality rights in the future. Such orders have become increasingly common in India, particularly in cases involving high-profile celebrities whose images and names are exploited online for scams, fake endorsements, or unauthorized promotions.
This is not the first time Indian celebrities have turned to the courts for legal recourse. Several actors and public figures have filed petitions in the past to safeguard their identities from digital misuse and intellectual property violations. With the rise of online scams and fake endorsements, the legal battle highlights the growing importance of personality rights in the digital era.
The Delhi High Court’s detailed written order, expected in the coming months, will likely set an important precedent for safeguarding celebrity identity and intellectual property in India. For Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, the move is not just about protecting her personal brand but also about creating awareness around the misuse of celebrity images that has become rampant in recent years.
