Delhi HC to Block Sites Misusing Nagarjuna’s Name, Image, and Videos
Delhi HC to protect actor Nagarjuna's image from online misuse.
The Delhi High Court announced on Thursday that it will issue an interim order in response to a plea by renowned Telugu actor Akkineni Nagarjuna, who is seeking to safeguard his personality and publicity rights. The case, heard by Justice Tejas Karia, addresses concerns over the unauthorized use of Nagarjuna’s name, image, and likeness across various platforms. The court indicated that it would direct the removal of specific URLs hosting infringing content, stating, “When you can identify the URLs, the best is to direct them to take down… Will pass orders.”
Nagarjuna’s plea, represented by advocate Pravin Anand, highlighted three primary infringements: pornographic websites misusing his identity, unauthorized merchandise exploiting his personality traits, and YouTube videos improperly using his likeness. These violations prompted the actor to seek legal protection to control and profit from his public image, a right commonly referred to as personality or publicity rights. The court’s decision to issue an interim order aligns with recent rulings granting similar relief to Bollywood figures like Aishwarya Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, and filmmaker Karan Johar, who also approached the court to protect their personality rights.
The growing misuse of celebrities’ identities in digital spaces, including explicit content and unauthorized commercial ventures, has spurred a wave of legal actions in India. Nagarjuna’s case underscores the increasing importance of personality rights, which allow individuals to prevent unauthorized exploitation of their name, image, or likeness for commercial gain. The court’s forthcoming order aims to curb these violations and set a precedent for protecting public figures in the digital age.
Also Read: Delhi Slashes Film Fees to Challenge Mumbai’s Reign as Bollywood Hub
The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on January 23, 2026, as the court continues to address the complexities of enforcing personality rights in an era of rampant online content. This case highlights the legal system’s evolving role in balancing celebrity rights with the challenges posed by digital platforms and unauthorized merchandise.
Also Read: BJP, Congress Clash Over Shah Rukh Khan’s National Award Timing
