Delhi High Court seeks Salman Khan’s response in personality rights dispute

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has been issued a notice by the Delhi High Court in a case related to the protection of his personality and publicity rights. The court has directed the actor to file his response within four weeks after a China based artificial intelligence voice generation platform challenged an earlier interim order that was passed in Salman’s favour. The matter is scheduled to be heard next on February 27.

Delhi High Court issues notice

The case stems from Salman Khan approaching the Delhi High Court seeking protection against the alleged unauthorised use of his name, image, voice and overall persona across digital platforms. The actor had argued that his identity was being misused for commercial gain without his consent, particularly through emerging technologies that can replicate or manipulate voices and likenesses with ease.

In December, the court had granted Salman interim relief and restrained several platforms and entities from exploiting his personality traits. The order also directed social media intermediaries to treat the actor’s complaint as a formal grievance under the Information Technology rules and take prompt action to prevent further misuse. The court had observed that personality rights are an essential part of a public figure’s identity and deserve legal protection in the digital age.

The China based AI platform has now moved the court seeking to set aside that interim order. According to the petitioner, voice generation and modulation form the core of its business and the restrictions imposed by the court adversely affect its operations. The company has argued that the order should be reconsidered, leading to the issuance of notice to Salman Khan.

All about the case

Legal experts believe the case reflects growing concerns around the intersection of technology, artificial intelligence and individual rights. With AI tools becoming increasingly advanced, the unauthorised replication of voices and images of celebrities poses serious risks, including misinformation and commercial exploitation. At the same time, courts are being challenged to strike a balance between innovation and personal rights.

Salman Khan’s legal team has maintained that the unauthorised use of his persona can mislead the public and damage his reputation and brand value. As the case progresses, it is expected to play a significant role in shaping how personality rights are interpreted and enforced in India, particularly in matters involving artificial intelligence and digital platforms.