The Delhi High Court has issued an interim injunction in favor of Telugu actor Naga Chaitanya, directing the removal of inappropriate content misusing his name and persona. This includes pornographic, defamatory, and AI-generated material exploiting his identity. The court also prohibited the unauthorized sale of products featuring his image and likeness.
The actor filed a commercial suit against various websites, online platforms, and unidentified entities for misusing his personality and publicity rights. The suit highlighted the use of his name on pornographic websites for obscene content, creating a false association with inappropriate material. Additionally, it addressed the unauthorized sale of merchandise bearing his name and the circulation of defamatory content online.
Naga Chaitanya, known for his work in the Telugu and Hindi film industries, has built a strong reputation over a career spanning more than 15 years. The court recognized his contributions, noting his debut in 2009 with the film ‘Josh’ and his acclaimed performances in various movies. It emphasized the actor’s goodwill and celebrity status, acknowledging his valuable personality attributes deserving legal protection.
The Delhi High Court acknowledged the actor’s prima facie case for the interim relief sought in the injunction. It highlighted the unlawful sale of merchandise using his name and image without consent, creating a false impression of endorsement. The court also emphasized the need to protect Naga Chaitanya from the dissemination of inappropriate content and AI-generated material portraying him in a negative light.
