The Delhi High Court has passed a decree in favour of Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan, protecting his publicity and personality rights against the unauthorised commercial use of his name, photographs, voice and likeness. The Court restrained several defendants, including those who had used his identity through mobile applications, posters, websites and promotional materials.
Background
Amitabh Bachchan had filed a commercial suit seeking protection of his publicity rights, privacy and damages against individuals and entities allegedly using his identity without permission.
The allegations included developing a mobile application titled 'Amitabh Bachchan Video Call', selling quiz books and posters featuring his photographs, circulating misleading lottery messages and registering domain names using his name.
On November 25, 2022, the Court had granted an interim injunction against the alleged unauthorised uses.
During the proceedings, four defendants, namely Rajat Nagi, Manoj Publications, Tamatina and Mahesh Patel, entered into a settlement with Bachchan. They agreed to discontinue the relevant activities and undertook not to use his name, image, voice or likeness without his express permission.
Accepting the settlement, Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav observed:
"The settlement has been agreed upon without fear or coercion, and the parties appear to have entered into it on their own volition. Nothing has been pointed out which would render it void or voidable under the Indian Contract Act, 1872."
The Court also considered the remaining defendants who had failed to appear or file written statements despite receiving summons. Referring to Supreme Court decisions, it held that a judgment under Order VIII Rule 10 CPC should not be passed mechanically.
The Court observed that the unauthorised commercial use involved Bachchan's identifiable name and photographs and falsely suggested his endorsement. It found no disputed factual issue requiring a full trial.
Allowing both applications, the Court passed a decree against the settling defendants in accordance with their undertakings and against the remaining defendants, including unidentified persons (John Does).
The interim injunction was merged into the final decree. The Court also granted Bachchan liberty to initiate fresh proceedings if a new cause of action arises.
The suit was accordingly disposed of on November 5, 2026.
Case Details
Case Title: Amitabh Bachchan v. Rajat Nagi & Others
Case Number: CS(COMM) 819/2022
Judges: Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav
Decision Date: November 5, 2026
