High Court
Odhisa HC recognises Ortel’s representation on DAS Phase III; urges MIB to give it two months
MUMBAI: Is another state joining the ranks of those who have asked for – and have been given – time to be able to implement digitisation in Digital Addressable System (DAS) Phase III areas? If initial indications are to be believed, the answer is yes. According to our sources, the Odhisa High Court has directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to act on the representation given by Last Mile Owner (LMO) Ortel Communications.
The LMO had presented various teething issues relating to digitisation, which were leading to delays in meeting the deadline date in Phase III areas, to the MIB. But the ministry, apparently ignored Ortel’s representations. Following which the company approached the Odhisa High Court.
“We are totally in favor of digitisation and are always ready to support it in every possible way. Our petition is not against DAS; our concern is the unavailability of various important aspects, which is proving to be a handicap for us,” asserts a senior company official.
Shortage of set top boxes (STBs) was the main concern in the submitted representation, which also had consumer resistance and capital crisis in it, among others.
“The court recognised the STB drought and has directed the MIB to address the issue in two months’ time. Meanwhile, the court has also directed that no action should to be taken against Ortel before the representation is addressed,” a source present in the court tells Indiantelevision.com.
“This direction of the court is for Ortel communications and its operations, and not an overall Odhisa statement,” clarified the source in the court.
But given the strong hold Ortel has over Odhisa as the main provider of cable TV there, it probably means an extension of the digitisation deadline in the state, say industry sources.
Also read: DAS Phase III stayed in 5 states including Maharashtra
High Court
Bombay HC likely to protect Kartik Aaryan’s personality rights
Actor seeks Rs 15 crore damages over AI misuse, deepfakes and merch
MUMBAI: In an age where faces can be faked and voices cloned, even stardom needs legal armour. The Bombay High Court has indicated it will pass an order safeguarding the personality and publicity rights of Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan, following allegations of widespread digital misuse of his identity.
The matter, heard by Justice Sharmila U. Deshmukh, centres on a plea filed by Aaryan seeking a broad John Doe injunction against 16 defendants, including e-commerce platforms, social media intermediaries and unidentified entities. The court noted the concerns raised and said appropriate orders would be issued.
At the heart of the case lies the growing threat of artificial intelligence-driven impersonation. Aaryan’s petition flags multiple instances of deepfake content circulating across platforms such as YouTube and Instagram, where his likeness has allegedly been used to create fabricated videos, including false romantic link-ups and objectionable scenarios designed to drive engagement.
In one particularly alarming example, the actor’s legal filing cites AI-generated visuals that falsely associate him with controversial global figures, including Jeffrey Epstein. The plea argues that such content not only misleads audiences but also causes serious reputational damage.
The concerns extend beyond content to commerce. The suit alleges that unauthorised merchandise bearing Aaryan’s name and image is being sold across platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart and Redbubble, without his consent. Additionally, the actor has raised red flags over AI-powered chatbots that mimic his voice and simulate conversations, warning of potential misuse in fraudulent activities.
Aaryan’s filing underscores that he is the registered proprietor of the trademark “Kartik Aaryan”, with his name, voice and likeness carrying significant commercial value. The unauthorised use of these attributes, the plea states, leads to “immediate and irreparable harm” to his goodwill.
Seeking both preventive and punitive relief, the actor has requested a permanent injunction restraining entities from exploiting his identity in any form be it name, voice, signature or distinctive dialogue style. He has also sought damages amounting to Rs 15 crore for alleged commercial misappropriation and reputational loss.
The case highlights a larger legal and cultural moment, where the lines between reality and replication are increasingly blurred. As AI tools become more accessible, courts are now being called upon to define the boundaries of identity in the digital age, where a face may be famous, but control over it is no longer guaranteed.
