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.
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.
