On Friday, the Delhi High Court delivered an interim ruling aimed at protecting the personality rights of actress Kajol. Justice Jyoti Singh issued a restriction against multiple defendants from exploiting her name, image, voice, or likeness for commercial gain, including merchandise sales, without her explicit consent.
The Court emphasized the necessity of safeguarding her personality rights from misuse through advancements like artificial intelligence and deepfake technology, hinting at further measures to prevent the manipulation of her identity in digital formats.
Moreover, the Court mandated the removal of pornographic and obscene content that has been published online about Kajol. Advocate Pravin Anand represented her in this case.
This development aligns with a recent trend, as numerous prominent figures from various sectors—including film, sports, politics, and social media—have approached the Delhi High Court to secure their personality rights.
Kajol’s appeal arrives during a pivotal moment when the Delhi High Court is broadening its interpretation of personality rights, particularly in the context of digital exploitation.
Recent rulings have provided robust protections to other public figures like Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Nagarjuna, Ajay Devgn, Anil Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan, and digital creator Raj Shamani. These decisions reinforce the principle that individuals maintain exclusive authority over the commercial and digital representation of their persona.
The Court has also voiced concerns about emerging threats such as deepfakes, voice synthesis, and synthetic imagery, which not only violate publicity rights but also encroach upon an individual’s dignity and privacy. It stressed that legitimate forms of expression, such as satire, artistic endeavors, commentary, and news reporting, should remain protected.
About Kajol: Kajol Devgan is among India’s most revered actresses, celebrated for her impressive versatility and commanding screen presence. With a career that spans more than thirty years, she has delivered unforgettable performances across a range of genres, earning several Filmfare Awards and a Padma Shri for her contributions to Indian cinema. Known for iconic roles in films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Fanaa, and My Name Is Khan, Kajol has masterfully balanced mainstream hits with profound, character-driven narratives. She continues to venture into varied roles across both film and digital platforms, with projects such as Tribhanga, Salaam Venky, and The Trial, solidifying her legacy as one of the industry’s most esteemed and dynamic talents.