The Delhi High Court on October 8 issued summons in separate suits filed by actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut and actor Vijay Deverakonda, both seeking protection against the alleged unauthorised use of their personality traits online.
Justice Vikas Mahajan heard both matters and also considered their requests for interim protection against allegedly objectionable digital content.
Vijay Deverakonda’s Plea
Deverakonda's case concerns alleged impersonation, fake endorsements, misleading websites and unauthorised commercial use of his name, image and other personality attributes. His counsel also referred to AI-generated material, digital manipulation and allegedly obscene or abusive content circulated online.
Senior Advocate Swathi Sukumar, appearing for the actor, submitted that third parties were also using his personality attributes on merchandise and other commercial products without consent. The plea seeks removal of such material from various online platforms and e-commerce services.
The Court issued summons in the suit and notice on the application seeking an interim injunction. After hearing the submissions, Justice Mahajan said, "I will pass an order."
The matter is next listed for February 2, 2027. The case is titled Vijay Sai Deverakonda v. Ashok Kumar John Doe & Ors.
Kangana Ranaut’s Plea
Ranaut has approached the Court over allegedly obscene and pornographic material, fake news and AI-generated content concerning her. Her counsel submitted that some of the material falsely represented manipulated content as genuine.
During the hearing, the Court also considered material described as satire. Ranaut's counsel clarified that relief was not being pressed against such content at the interim stage.
The Court further noted that some defendants had already removed material after receiving a copy of the suit. Counsel was asked to remove those parties from the array of defendants.
Justice Mahajan thereafter issued summons in Ranaut's suit and notice on her application seeking interim protection.
The case is titled Kangana Ranaut v. Meta Platforms & Ors.
Court's Decision
At this stage, the High Court has issued summons and notices in both personality-rights suits, while keeping the requests for interim protection for further consideration.
No final finding has been recorded on the allegations raised by either actor.
