Actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has approached the Delhi High Court seeking protection of her personality rights. She has expressed serious concerns over the misuse of her name, photographs, and likeness across digital platforms and even commercial merchandise. The matter came up before Justice Tejas Karia, who indicated the court’s intent to issue injunctions to restrict the misuse of the actor’s identity. The case has been listed for the next hearing on January 15, 2026.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan moves to Delhi HC
Representing the actor, Senior Advocate Sandeep Sethi detailed how Rai’s name and image were being exploited for commercial purposes and linked to inappropriate content without her consent. He stated that several websites falsely presented themselves as her official platforms, misleading the public and infringing on her publicity rights.
Sethi also placed on record examples of merchandise, including mugs, T-shirts, and drinkware, being sold online using Rai’s image and name without legal authorisation.
Sethi also highlighted a company named Aishwarya Nation Wealth, which allegedly listed Rai as its Chairperson on official documents. He clarified that his client had no connection with the entity and called the claim fraudulent and misleading.
“This is a clear case of misrepresentation and identity theft,” Sethi argued, adding that Rai was unaware of such associations and had never endorsed or authorised any such company.
Concerns over AI-generated images and morphed content
The misuse of the actor’s images is not just for physical merchandise and fake associations. Sethi informed the court that obscene, morphed, and AI-generated images of the actor were being circulated across several digital platforms. He described this as a gross violation of her dignity and privacy, calling the exploitation of her likeness for sexually explicit content deeply disturbing and unacceptable.
Appearing on behalf of Google, advocate Mamta Rani addressed the procedural process for content removal. She said that the submission of specific URLs would be required in order to take down the images.
What did the court say?
Justice Karia observed that since the relief sought covers a broad spectrum of violations, the court may have to issue individual injunctions against multiple defendants. However, he clarified that if a unified order could address all instances of misuse, the court would consider passing one.
The court also advised Rai’s legal team to submit detailed URLs or approach the Blocking and Screening Instructions (BSI) process to expedite content removal. Further directions will be issued in the next hearing scheduled for January 2026.