Shahin Akhtar
On 15th September 2025, renowned filmmaker and producer Karan Johar has approached the Delhi High Court seeking legal protection of his personality rights. The suit alleges that several online platforms and entities have been misusing his name, photographs, and personal identity without his consent to generate monetary benefits.
The matter came up before Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora. After hearing preliminary submissions, the court listed the case for September 17 to deliver appropriate orders. During the proceedings, the judge reviewed multiple links and URLs cited in Johar’s plea that allegedly carried unauthorized content exploiting his persona.
Johar’s move follows recent legal actions by actors Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan, who also approached the Delhi High Court in separate lawsuits. In Aishwarya Rai’s case, the court observed that unauthorized use of an individual’s personal attributes violates their fundamental right to privacy and undermines human dignity. A co-ordinate bench restrained several entities from misusing her name, image, or likeness, especially through the use of advanced technological tools such as Artificial Intelligence.
Similarly, Abhishek Bachchan secured judicial protection of his personality rights last week. The court restricted various platforms from using his name, photographs, or voice for commercial purposes without prior authorization. It further remarked that deploying technology to portray him in misleading, derogatory, or false contexts is an infringement of privacy and a direct attack on his dignity.
Johar’s lawsuit underscores a growing concern among public figures about the misuse of celebrity identities in the digital era. The increasing availability of AI-driven tools and manipulated media has made it easier for unauthorized parties to exploit the image and reputation of well-known personalities. This trend has prompted a surge in legal actions aimed at securing stronger judicial safeguards.
Case Name: Karan Johar vs. Ashok Kumar/ John Doe & Ors.
Case No.: CS(COMM)/974/2025
Bench: Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora
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