Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan has approached the Delhi High Court seeking protection of his personality rights, including his name, image, voice, and likeness. In his petition, the actor argued that his identity was being misused without authorization by several online platforms and digital content creators, causing both reputational damage and the risk of misleading the public.

According to the plea, certain websites and e-commerce platforms have been selling merchandise such as T-shirts and other products featuring his photographs and digital renditions without his consent. Abhishek contended that such unauthorized use creates a false impression that he endorses these items, which could not only harm his professional image but also mislead consumers.

The petition also highlighted the growing menace of artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology, pointing out that manipulated videos and AI-generated content are increasingly being circulated using his likeness. Abhishek stressed that such content poses a grave risk to celebrities, as it can be easily misused to spread misinformation or exploit their public persona for commercial gains.

In his appeal, the actor requested the High Court to issue directions restraining both known and unknown entities — referred to as “John Doe” defendants — from misusing his identity. The plea also sought orders for immediate takedown of all infringing material, removal of unauthorized products, and blocking of websites engaged in such activities. Additionally, Abhishek has asked for directives to be issued to intermediaries, including search engines and social media platforms, to identify and remove unlawful content associated with his name or likeness.

Significantly, the case comes just a day after his wife, actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, moved the Delhi High Court with a similar plea to safeguard her personality rights. The back-to-back filings underline the growing concern among public figures over the unregulated exploitation of celebrity identities in the digital era.

Legal experts believe the petitions by Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan may strengthen the ongoing discourse on personality rights in India. While the Indian judiciary has previously acknowledged the concept, there is still no comprehensive statutory framework regulating the commercial use of celebrity identities. The outcome of this case is likely to set an important precedent for protecting the image rights of actors, sportspersons, and other public figures in the country.

The matter has been listed for hearing, and the High Court is expected to deliberate on whether interim protection should be granted to Abhishek Bachchan pending the outcome of the case. If approved, the order would provide the actor with immediate relief against any unauthorized use of his name and likeness while the case progresses further.