Vivek Oberoi Seeks Personality Rights Protection in Delhi High Court

New Delhi – Actor Vivek Oberoi has approached the Delhi High Court seeking legal protection for his personality rights, a move reflecting a growing trend among Indian celebrities seeking to control the commercial use of their image and identity. The suit, filed through Advocates Sana Raees Khan and Pranay Chitale, aims to prevent the unauthorized exploitation of his persona – including his name, voice, and likeness – by third parties.

The legal action comes as concerns rise over the misuse of artificial intelligence and deepfake technology to create misleading or damaging content. Oberoi’s petition specifically cites instances of impersonation on social media, the sale of unauthorized merchandise, and the creation of AI-generated imagery that he deems distasteful. He is seeking a court order to remove such content, including postcards, posters, videos, and social media posts.

According to the suit, the unauthorized use of his personality not only infringes upon his rights but also has the potential to supplant his market and commercially benefit from his identity without his consent. The petition emphasizes that Oberoi, as the sole controller of the commercial utilization of his personality, should have exclusive rights over its use.

This case is part of a broader wave of legal challenges filed by prominent figures in the Indian entertainment industry seeking to safeguard their personality rights. The Delhi High Court has recently heard similar petitions from a number of well-known individuals, issuing orders to protect their likenesses and prevent unauthorized commercial exploitation.

Recent rulings by coordinate benches of the Delhi High Court have established precedents for protecting personality rights. Orders have been issued safeguarding the rights of Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, actors R Madhavan and NTR Junior, and actor Salman Khan. These cases demonstrate a growing recognition within the Indian legal system of the need to protect individuals from the unauthorized commercial use of their identity.

The trend extends beyond the entertainment and sports worlds. The Court has also issued orders protecting the personality rights of spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Telugu actor Nagarjuna, and Bollywood figures Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Karan Johar. This indicates a broadening understanding of the importance of personality rights across various sectors.

A recent case involving journalist Sudhir Chaudhary highlights the concern over AI-generated misinformation. Chaudhary sought relief from the circulation of allegedly misleading videos created using artificial intelligence, prompting the court to issue protective orders. Similarly, the personality rights of podcaster Raj Shamani were recently protected, with the court acknowledging his established presence in the content creation landscape.

The legal basis for these cases rests on the principle that individuals have a right to control the commercial use of their identity. The Delhi High Court has consistently recognized this right, issuing “John Doe” orders – which apply to unknown entities – to prevent potential infringements. These orders typically direct internet service providers and social media platforms to take down infringing content and prevent its future dissemination.

The suit filed by Vivek Oberoi, formally titled Vivek Anand Oberoi v. Collector Bazar & Ors, underscores the increasing importance of personality rights in the digital age. As technology advances and the potential for misuse grows, legal protections are becoming increasingly crucial for individuals seeking to control their public image and prevent unauthorized commercial exploitation. The outcome of Oberoi’s case, and similar ongoing litigation, will likely shape the future of personality rights law in India.

The increasing number of cases brought before the Delhi High Court suggests a proactive approach by Indian celebrities and public figures to protect their rights in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The court’s willingness to issue protective orders demonstrates a growing awareness of the need to balance the rights of individuals with the freedoms afforded by the internet and new technologies. February 4, 2026, the case is expected to be heard in the coming weeks, and its outcome will be closely watched by the entertainment industry and legal experts alike.