New Delhi: Amid allegations of widespread misuse of his identity on digital and commercial platforms, the Delhi High Court on Thursday said it will pass orders in a civil suit filed by actor and businessman Vivek Oberoi to protect his personality and publicity rights.
The matter came up for hearing before Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, who after hearing the matter said that the court will pass orders in the matter.
Oberoi has approached the high court alleging massive unauthorized exploitation of his name, image, voice and likeness through fake social media accounts, unauthorized merchandise and artificial intelligence-generated content including deepfake imagery.
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The lawsuit has been filed against entities including Collector’s Bazaar, ZoomMantra and IndiaContent, as well as several unnamed parties named as John Doe defendants.
Oberoi is represented by lawyers Sana Raees Khan and Pranay Chitale. The petition seeks a permanent injunction to prevent the defendants from violating her personality and publicity rights.
According to the petition, the actor has claimed that characteristics specifically associated with his identity are being used illegally for commercial and other benefits without his consent or authorization.
They have argued that such actions amount to a violation of their fundamental rights under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution, artist and moral rights under Sections 38, 38A and 38B of the Copyright Act, 1957, and common law protections relating to passing off, misappropriation and unfair competition.
The petition alleged that impersonators have created fake social media accounts, especially on platforms like Instagram, using Oberoi’s name and photographs.
It also claims that unauthorized merchandise, including posters, T-shirts and postcards bearing his likeness, is being sold on various e-commerce platforms.
A key aspect of the lawsuit relates to the alleged creation and dissemination of AI-generated content that misrepresents facts and portrays the actor in a defamatory and libelous manner.
The petition raises concerns over the use of generative artificial intelligence and deepfake technology to distort and superimpose Oberoi’s face in an objectionable and distasteful image, which may lead to public confusion and damage to reputation.
Oberoi has argued that uncontrolled use of such technology jeopardizes personality and publicity rights, violates privacy and undermines an individual’s exclusive right to profit commercially from his or her personality.
Given the scale and anonymity of the alleged violations, he has sought an omnibus John Doe injunction against unnamed violators.
Claiming irreparable damage to his goodwill, reputation and business interests, Oberoi has urged the court to direct removal of the unauthorized content and stop misuse of his identity in any form.
Vivek Oberoi is the latest among A-list celebrities to seek judicial intervention against digital abuse.
In January 2026, Salman Khan filed a similar lawsuit against more than 35 defendants. Other icons like Asha Bhosle, Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan received orders in late 2025 to prevent voice cloning and image misuse. (ANI)