The Delhi High Court has granted interim relief to Telugu actor Naga Chaitanya in a lawsuit alleging misuse of his name, image, likeness, and other personality attributes across websites, social media platforms, and online marketplaces. The Court directed several entities to remove allegedly infringing content and restrained further unauthorized commercial exploitation of the actor's identity.
Background of the Case
Naga Chaitanya approached the High Court claiming that several websites were allegedly using his name and persona in connection with pornographic content. He also alleged that certain online sellers were marketing merchandise bearing his name, photographs, and likeness without authorization, creating a false impression of endorsement.
The actor further contended that digital platforms hosted content, including AI-generated material and videos, which infringed his personality and publicity rights and risked causing serious harm to his reputation and commercial interests.
After hearing the matter, Justice Jyoti Singh observed that the plaintiff had established a prima facie case for the grant of an ex parte interim injunction.
The Court noted that Naga Chaitanya is a well-known actor with a successful career spanning more than fifteen years and enjoys substantial goodwill and public recognition. It observed that unauthorized use of a celebrity’s identity can result in both commercial loss and reputational harm.
The bench observed,
“Plaintiff is entitled to protection against dissemination of pornographic content as well as AI-generated images portraying him in an inappropriate scenario.”
The Court further held that an individual has the right to protect elements of their persona, including name, image, voice, and likeness, from unauthorized exploitation. It also noted that sale of merchandise using a celebrity’s identity without permission could mislead consumers into believing that the celebrity endorses the products.
Allowing the plea for interim protection, the Delhi High Court restrained certain defendants from using or exploiting Naga Chaitanya’s name, image, voice, likeness, and other personality attributes without authorization.
The Court also restrained defendants from selling merchandise allegedly infringing the actor’s personality rights and directed the removal of specified online listings.
In addition, the Court ordered several websites to take down URLs allegedly associating the actor’s name with pornographic content. Directions were also issued to remove identified online videos and content hosted on digital platforms.
Justice Singh directed the concerned defendants to comply with the takedown directions within 24 hours of receiving the order.
The interim protection will continue until the next date of hearing.
Case Details
Case Title: Akkineni Naga Chaitanya v. WWW.SEXVID.XXX & Ors.
Case Number: CS(COMM) 644/2026
Judge: Justice Jyoti Singh
Decision Date: May 29, 2026
