The Delhi high court on Monday granted interim protection to actor and BJP MP Ravi Kishan, restraining several individuals, websites and online platforms from using or exploiting his name, image, likeness and other personality attributes without authorisation. The court also directed the removal of URLs allegedly carrying obscene, pornographic and AI-generated content misusing the actor’s identity.
The court observing that such material prima facie violated the actor’s personality rights.
The HC was hearing a suit filed by Ravi Kishan seeking protection against the unauthorised use of his name, image, voice, likeness and public persona by unknown individuals and entities for commercial gain. The petition highlighted the circulation of AI-generated content, fake endorsements, cloned-voice advertisements and misleading social media posts falsely attributed to him.
Expressing satisfaction over the court’s intervention, Ravi Kishan said the order would help curb the growing menace of digital impersonation and misinformation.
“I am extremely happy with the Delhi HC’s decision. For a long time, several fake videos, morphed photographs and AI-generated clips were being circulated across social media platforms using my face, voice and identity without permission. Many of these posts portrayed me in fake roles, attributed fabricated statements to me and even used my image and voice to sell products and services that I had never endorsed.”
He said the misuse had not only harmed his personal reputation but also created confusion among the public.
“Such content was affecting my image and credibility among people. As a public representative and a member of the BJP, these fake materials also had the potential to tarnish the image of my party by spreading misleading narratives in my name. The court’s intervention is a strong message against those who misuse technology for deception and commercial exploitation.”
During the proceedings, the HC observed that online platforms would be required to remove content found to be infringing Ravi Kishan’s personality rights, including AI-generated deepfakes and cloned-voice advertisements. The court also indicated that search links to such content could be disabled if those responsible for uploading it failed to comply with the takedown directions.
The case is being seen as another significant step in the judiciary’s efforts to address the growing misuse of artificial intelligence, deepfake technology and identity theft targeting public figures in India.
