Filmmaker Karan Johar has secured a major victory in a legal battle concerning the misuse of his identity online. The Delhi High Court has ruled in his favour in a lawsuit he filed to protect his “personality rights,” ensuring that his name, image, and voice cannot be used on social media without his permission.
This ruling is a significant step in safeguarding the identities of public figures in the digital age. The court has directed several major technology companies to cooperate in the matter.
What The Court Ordered
In its decision, the court, led by Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, affirmed that Johar’s personality rights must be protected. The court has ordered major social media and tech companies, including Google, Meta (parent company of Facebook and Instagram), and X (formerly Twitter), to provide details of the users who have allegedly violated these rights.
These companies will have to hand over IT log records and Basic Subscriber Information connected to the infringing content. Additionally, the e-commerce platform Redbubble was ordered to remove objectionable content related to Johar. A detailed order on the matter is expected at the next hearing.
Protecting A Celebrity’s Identity
The case centered on the unauthorized use of Karan Johar’s identity in various online posts and materials, which he found offensive or misleading. Personality rights protect an individual from the commercial misuse of their name, likeness, or other personal attributes without their consent.
Earlier in the proceedings, the court had asked Johar to provide a precise list of URLs and posts that he considered defamatory or objectionable. This new ruling grants him an injunction, which is a court order that will prevent further misuse of his identity.
A Growing Trend In Indian Courts
This is not the first time the Delhi High Court has stepped in to protect a celebrity’s rights. The ruling follows similar precedents set in cases filed by other high-profile figures like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan.
The courts are increasingly recognizing the challenges posed by new technologies, including AI, which can be used to create fake images and voice clips. This ruling for Karan Johar further strengthens the legal protection available to individuals against the invasion of their privacy and the unauthorized use of their persona.
About Karan Johar
Karan Johar is one of India’s most influential filmmakers, directors, producers, and television personalities. He is the head of Dharma Productions, a leading film production house in India. Johar is known for directing blockbuster films like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and My Name Is Khan, and for hosting the popular talk show Koffee with Karan.
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