Delhi High Court Orders Removal of Obscene Deepfakes Targeting Ajay Devgn, Protects Actor’s Personality Rights
Court Says Celebrities Must Be Shielded Against Misuse of Image and AI-Generated Content
Judgment Highlights Rising Threat of Deepfakes and Need for Stronger Digital Safeguards
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: November 28, 2025:
In a landmark ruling, the Delhi High Court has directed the immediate removal of obscene deepfake content circulating online that misused the identity of Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn. The Court also restrained websites and online platforms from using his name, image, voice, or likeness without consent, marking a significant step in protecting celebrity rights in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).
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Background of the Case
Ajay Devgn, one of India’s most respected actors, approached the Court after discovering that manipulated videos and images—created using deepfake technology—were being circulated online. These obscene and offensive materials not only harmed his reputation but also misled the public.
Devgn’s legal team, led by Advocate Pravin Anand, argued that the actor’s personality rights were being violated. They presented examples of manipulated content and highlighted the growing misuse of AI tools to impersonate celebrities.
Court’s Observations
Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, while hearing the plea, noted that:
- The content was obscene and objectionable, clearly intended to tarnish Devgn’s reputation.
- Unauthorized use of a celebrity’s image, voice, or likeness without consent is a violation of personality rights.
- The defendants were restrained from misusing Devgn’s identity in any form, including AI-generated deepfakes.
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The Court directed platforms to take down the offensive content immediately and barred further misuse of Devgn’s attributes.
Personality Rights in India
Personality rights refer to the right of an individual to control the commercial use of their identity, including name, image, voice, and likeness. In India, courts have increasingly recognized these rights, especially for celebrities whose reputations are vulnerable to misuse.
Recent cases include:
- Amitabh Bachchan (2022): The Delhi High Court restrained individuals from using his voice and image without consent.
- Anil Kapoor (2023): The actor secured protection against unauthorized use of his name and likeness.
- Karan Johar (2024): The filmmaker obtained relief against deepfake content impersonating him.
Ajay Devgn’s case adds to this growing body of jurisprudence, reinforcing the need for legal safeguards in the digital era.
The Threat of Deepfakes
Deepfake technology uses AI to create realistic but fake videos and images. While it has legitimate uses in entertainment and education, it is increasingly being misused to:
- Create obscene or pornographic content.
- Spread misinformation and fake news.
- Damage reputations of public figures.
Experts warn that deepfakes pose a serious threat to privacy, democracy, and social trust. The Ajay Devgn case highlights how celebrities are particularly vulnerable, given their public visibility.
Industry and Legal Reactions
Legal experts welcomed the ruling, noting that it strengthens the protection of personality rights. According to them:
- The judgment sets a precedent for future cases involving misuse of AI-generated content.
- It emphasizes the responsibility of platforms to act swiftly against harmful material.
- It signals that courts are willing to intervene decisively to protect individuals from digital harm.
Industry observers also pointed out that the ruling could push platforms to adopt stricter content moderation policies and invest in AI tools to detect and block deepfakes.
Broader Implications
The ruling has several implications:
- For Celebrities: They now have stronger legal backing to protect their identity against misuse.
- For Platforms: Social media and content-sharing sites must act quickly to remove harmful content or face legal consequences.
- For Society: The judgment raises awareness about the dangers of deepfakes and the importance of digital literacy.
Global Context
Globally, courts and governments are grappling with the challenge of deepfakes:
- United States: Several states have passed laws criminalizing deepfake pornography.
- European Union: The Digital Services Act requires platforms to remove harmful content swiftly.
- China: Operates strict regulations on AI-generated content, though critics argue it suppresses free speech.
India’s judiciary is now taking proactive steps, balancing freedom of expression with protection against misuse.
Conclusion
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The Delhi High Court’s ruling in favour of Ajay Devgn is a milestone in digital rights protection. It sends a strong message that misuse of AI and deepfake technology will not be tolerated. By protecting Devgn’s personality rights and ordering the removal of obscene content, the Court has reinforced the principle that individual dignity and reputation must be safeguarded in the digital age.
As deepfake technology becomes more sophisticated, this judgment will serve as a guiding precedent, ensuring that celebrities and ordinary citizens alike are protected from digital exploitation.
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