Actor Kriti Sanon has approached the Delhi High Court seeking legal protection for her personality rights, prompting the court to call for a broader examination of the legal framework governing such claims. During the proceedings on Friday, Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav noted that the court has seen a significant rise in similar petitions from public figures and emphasized the need for a deeper understanding of the legal principles involved.
Justice Kaurav asked advocate Pravin Anand, who appeared on behalf of the actor, to prepare a comprehensive compilation of judicial precedents and research material. The court specifically requested clarity on the extent of protection that can be afforded to personality rights and whether such disputes properly fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court’s Intellectual Property Division (IPD). The judge suggested that the legal questions surrounding these petitions require a thorough review that extends beyond the specific facts of the current case.
During the hearing, the actor's legal counsel submitted that personality rights encompass a variety of individual attributes, including a person's name, face, voice, photographs, videos, and overall identity. The lawyer argued that a primary issue in these disputes is the unauthorized use of these elements for commercial purposes without the consent of the individual. In response to the court's request for academic and legal backing, the judge remarked, “Can you give me some research paper? Please give a compilation. Give me judgments and your understanding regarding personality rights.”
The court indicated that it intends to pass a comprehensive order once it has had the opportunity to examine the materials submitted by the legal team. Advocate Anand informed the court that the requested compilation would be filed within the day, asserting that there were no jurisdictional issues concerning his client's specific petition. Justice Kaurav listed the matter for a further hearing on October 29, signaling that the court is moving toward establishing a more structured approach for handling such claims.
The petition arrives amidst a broader trend of public figures, including actors, sportspersons, and politicians, approaching the judiciary to safeguard their identities. Previous cases heard by the Delhi High Court have involved prominent individuals such as actors Kangana Ranaut, Tabu, and Vijay Deverakonda, as well as cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Abhishek Sharma. Additionally, political figures including Congress leader Shashi Tharoor and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan have also sought legal intervention in similar matters.
Legal experts suggest that the surge in these petitions is tied to the rapid expansion of digital platforms and the development of artificial intelligence, which have made the unauthorized appropriation of a person's likeness increasingly common. These technologies allow for the reproduction of voices, images, and digital avatars, complicating traditional notions of privacy and commercial rights.
By requesting a standardized body of research, the Delhi High Court aims to create a more consistent legal standard for when and how the judiciary can intervene in personality rights disputes. As the digital economy continues to grow, the court's upcoming findings are expected to serve as a critical reference point for balancing the commercial interests of public figures with broader legal considerations regarding publicity and individual autonomy.
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