The Delhi High Court has granted interim protection to educator and Physics Wallah founder Alakh Pandey, directing the removal of specific online content that allegedly exploits his personality without authorisation. The Court made it clear that the order applies only to identified URLs and not entire websites. It also directed Google, X (formerly Twitter), Telegram and LinkedIn to disclose the Basic Subscriber Information (BSI) of the entities behind the allegedly infringing content to enable legal action.
Background of the Case
Alakh Pandey approached the Delhi High Court seeking protection of his personality rights, alleging that his identity had been commercially exploited across multiple online platforms without his consent. According to the suit, his face, voice, manner of speaking and his well-known greeting, "Hello Bachho," had acquired independent commercial value because of his widespread recognition as an educator.
The plea stated that several online accounts and websites were allegedly using his likeness to sell stickers, GIFs, coupon codes and other commercial products. It also alleged that AI-generated images and content depicting him in sexually explicit or defamatory ways were circulating online, potentially affecting his reputation among students and the public. Pandey clarified before the Court that the lawsuit was not intended to curb criticism, satire or parody, but was limited to unauthorised commercial exploitation and degrading misuse of his identity.
Court's Observations
The matter was heard by Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani, who expressed reservations about combining issues of personality rights, copyright, trademark and defamation under one proceeding. The Court observed that while certain online material appeared vulgar, a blanket direction to block entire websites would not be appropriate because legitimate expression could also exist on those platforms.
"Websites are not to be taken down. Only the URLs have to be taken down," the Court clarified while passing the interim order.
The Court also allowed Pandey to include mirror websites, redirect links and alphanumeric URLs in the injunction list so that the takedown order could not be easily circumvented.
Decision
Justice Bhambhani issued summons in the suit and passed an ad-interim ex parte order directing the removal of identified URLs allegedly violating Alakh Pandey's personality rights. The Court further directed Google, X, Telegram and LinkedIn to furnish the Basic Subscriber Information of the concerned account holders to facilitate service of legal notices.
The matter has been listed before the Joint Registrar on November 6, 2026, for completion of pleadings. The Court said that a detailed reasoned order will follow.
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