High Court
Delhi High Court orders removal of deepfake Gambhir videos
Platforms including Meta, Google and Amazon directed to take down content and disclose uploaders.
MUMBAI: Gautam Gambhir just scored a legal boundary because when deepfakes put words in the coach’s mouth, even the court steps in to call “no ball”. The Delhi High Court has directed major technology platforms to remove objectionable deepfake videos and content misusing the identity of former India cricketer and current head coach Gautam Gambhir. A single-judge bench led by Justice Jyoti Singh said it would issue directions to Meta, Google and Amazon to take down flagged links and posts, while also asking them to disclose details of the entities responsible for uploading the material.
Gambhir approached the court seeking protection of his personality and publicity rights, alleging that his name, voice, image and likeness were being misused through AI tools and deepfake technology. His plea also sought damages of Rs 2.5 crore and a permanent injunction against such use.
Advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai, appearing for Gambhir, told the court that the content had “material consequence”, citing fabricated videos that falsely showed Gambhir resigning as head coach after a poor performance or assaulting a fellow player. “Imagine the head coach of the Indian team and words are being put in his mouth through deepfake to say he is resigning from the team. It has created a lot of issues,” he said.
The court granted protection to Gambhir’s personality rights and ordered the removal of objectionable posts circulating without his consent. It further directed platforms to remove offending URLs and share basic subscriber information of those behind the uploads.
The case stems from a plea filed in the Commercial Division of the Delhi High Court, which alleged a “coordinated campaign of digital impersonation”. Several clips cited in the lawsuit had gained significant traction online, with a fake resignation video reportedly crossing 2.9 million views and another misleading clip drawing over 1.7 million views. Gambhir’s legal team also flagged unauthorised merchandise being sold on e-commerce platforms using his name and likeness without consent.
The suit names 16 defendants, including individual social media accounts, e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart, and technology companies including Meta, X Corp. and Google (which owns Youtube). Gambhir alleged that anonymous accounts were exploiting his identity to spread misinformation and generate revenue.
In an age where deepfakes can make anyone say anything, the Delhi High Court has sent a clear message: your face, your voice and your name are not fair game for clicks and coins. Gambhir’s swift legal action may just become the playbook for public figures fighting back against digital impersonation.
