ISSUE
Actor AmitabhBachchan (plaintiff) was granted ad interim ex parteinjuction in favour of him by the Delhi High Court in the suit filed by the former for the protection of his publicity rights.
FACTS
Many online fraud websites like the fake Kaun Banega Crorepaty (KBC) scam exploited photographs and videos of renowned actor Amitabh Bachchan. The defendants were using his images to lure people to enter a lucky draw and win a voice call with Bachchan in exchange. Some of the accused have even put the actor’s image on t-shirts and registered domain names such as amitabhbachchan.com and amitabhbachchan.in. The actor is represented by senior attorney Harish Salve, who is seeking an injunction against the defendants, as well as a john doe action.
REASONING
Justice Navin Chawla of the Delhi High Court stated that a prima facie case was made forth in favour of the actor and against the defendants, who are various individuals and corporations accused of infringing Bachchan’s personality rights. The court also stated that the defendants used the actor’s celebrity status without his permission. The court ruled in favour of the plaintiff because the defendants’ actions were bringing disrepute on the actor. The court barred the defendants from using Amitabh Bachchan’s name, voice, or image for personal or commercial advantage in any way. It has also directed DoT and MeitY to require the respective internet service providers to remove all links or websites provided by him in the plaint. The court has also ordered telecom service providers to block access to all phone numbers used by the defendants to circulate messages on messaging apps.
Case name: Amitabh Bachchan v. Rajat Nagi &ors.
