HC to pass interim order on Akshay Kumar's plea seeking protection of personality rights
_vb_08.jpeg)
Mumbai (PTI): The Bombay High Court on Wednesday reserved its order on an interim relief plea of actor Akshay Kumar in his petition against websites and social media platforms misusing his photographs, videos and name without authority.
Justice Arif Doctor reserved the order after a hearing.
Kumar has moved the HC seeking protection of his personality rights amid the rise of deepfake videos, stating that such content has not only damaged his reputation, but also has huge consequences.
The petition sought to restrain the ongoing infringement and unauthorised commercial exploitation of his personality and publicity rights, including his real name, screen name "Akshay Kumar," image, likeness, voice, distinctive performance style, mannerisms and other identifiable attributes.
It pointed to large-scale misuse of the actor's persona through AI-generated and deepfake images and videos, counterfeit merchandise, deceptive advertisements, false brand endorsements, and impersonating social media profiles on platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and various e-commerce websites.
"These acts cause grave and irreparable harm to the plaintiff's goodwill and reputation, dilute his personality and publicity rights, mislead the public, and amount to passing off, unfair competition, and unjust enrichment," the suit stated.
The actor's plea came days after the court passed interim orders granting relief to veteran singer Asha Bhosle and actor Suniel Shetty, who had sought similar reliefs.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Attacks on Christians contradict PM's message of harmony, visit to church: Gehlot
Jaipur (PTI): Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday expressed concern over the reported attacks and disruptions in prayer gatherings of the Christian community in different parts of the country, saying such incidents were "worrying and condemnable".
In a post on X, Gehlot said that while the Prime Minister Narendra Modi was visiting a church and giving a message of peace and harmony, news of attacks on members of the Christian community from various regions reflected a serious contradiction.
ALSO READ: FIR registered against over 30 for vandalising Christmas decorations at Raipur mall
"Symbolic gestures would not be enough, and strict legal action was required against those spreading hatred," the senior Congress leader said.
He added that Indian culture has always upheld the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", where every citizen has full freedom to practise their faith.
Gehlot urged the Centre and state governments to uphold the rule of law and ensure that no citizen is forced to celebrate their festival under fear.
