The Delhi High Court has stepped in decisively to protect industrialist Sanjiv Goenka’s personality rights, issuing an interim injunction that bars anyone from exploiting his identity without consent—AI-generated or otherwise. This comes amid a surge of damaging online content falsely portraying the Lucknow Super Giants co-owner.
Filed against Google and other platforms, Goenka’s lawsuit points to a flood of social media videos, posts, and deepfake creations that not only defame him but also deceive audiences with fabricated narratives. Justice Tusshar Rao Gedela’s bench recognized the urgency, deeming the material prima facie harmful and beyond acceptable satire.
‘Publicity rights safeguard against unauthorized commercial use of one’s persona,’ the court asserted, particularly in an era where AI tools enable seamless replication of voices and images. The ruling acknowledges the grave risks posed by such technology to personal reputation.
All defendants, named and unnamed, must refrain from using Goenka’s name, photos, or any attributes linked to him. Platforms like Meta and X are mandated to delete offending links, disclose user information, and implement swift takedown protocols for future violations.
Goenka’s strong initial case prompted the court to act swiftly, warning of irreversible damage otherwise. Hearings are set for July 16 before the Joint Registrar, with the next court date on September 18.
As digital manipulation proliferates, this order signals courts’ readiness to combat AI-fueled defamation, offering a blueprint for celebrities and business leaders facing similar threats.
