In a strong message against the unchecked use of artificial intelligence, the Delhi High Court on Friday restrained a production house and several online platforms from circulating an AI-generated film that allegedly used the identity of young public figure Akira Nandan without his consent.
Justice Tushar Rao Gedela passed an ex-parte ad interim injunction, calling the alleged misuse of AI technology a serious threat to privacy, dignity, and personality rights.
Background of the Case
The suit was filed by Akira Desai, also known as Akira Nandan, a 21-year-old student and emerging public personality from a well-known film family. He alleged that Sambhawaami Studios LLP had released a one-hour AI-generated movie titled “AI Love Story” on YouTube, projecting him as the lead character without any permission.
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According to the pleadings, the film and its promotional clips used AI-morphed visuals, synthetic voice patterns, and fabricated romantic scenes, creating the false impression that the plaintiff had acted in or endorsed the project. The content, uploaded in Telugu and English, had already garnered over 11 lakh views, the court was told.
Claims of Identity and Privacy Violation
The plaintiff argued that his name, image, likeness, voice, and overall persona enjoy independent commercial and reputational value. The unauthorised AI portrayal, he said, amounted to:
- Violation of personality and publicity rights
- Breach of privacy and dignity
- Misappropriation of identity for commercial gain
- Risk of public deception and financial fraud
Senior Advocate J. Sai Deepak, appearing for the plaintiff, warned the court that AI-generated impersonation, if left unchecked, could lead to “grave and irreversible harm.”
Court’s Observations
After examining the visuals, URLs, and documents placed on record, the court found a prima facie case in favour of the plaintiff.
Justice Gedela noted that the very act of creating an AI film with the plaintiff in a lead role showed his distinct public recognition. The court observed:
“The images placed on record manifestly depict the vulnerability the plaintiff faces at the hands of purported infringers.”
Relying on the landmark Delhi High Court ruling in DM Entertainment v. Baby Gift House, the bench reiterated that no one is free to trade on another person’s name or appearance for commercial gain without consent.
The court also expressed concern over AI-generated content depicting fabricated personal relationships and scenarios, terming it a “dangerous trend.”
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Decision
Granting urgent relief, the Delhi High Court passed the following ex-parte interim directions:
- Immediate restraint on Sambhawaami Studios and others from creating, publishing, or circulating the AI film “AI Love Story” or any related content using Akira Nandan’s identity.
- Takedown of all infringing links, including YouTube videos, shorts, and social media posts listed in the annexure to the order.
- A blanket prohibition on using the plaintiff’s name, image, voice, mannerisms, or AI-generated likeness in any form, across all platforms.
- Meta (Facebook & Instagram) was directed to ensure removal of infringing content and share basic account details with the plaintiff if users fail to comply.
The court held that continued circulation of such content would cause irreparable harm that could not be compensated with money.
The suit will now proceed with notice issued to the defendants, but the restraint will remain in force until further orders.
Case Title:- Akira Nandan v. Sambhawaami Studios LLP & Ors.
Case No.: CS (COMM) 68/2026
Date of Order: 23 January 2026
