In a significant development reinforcing celebrity rights in the digital era, actor NTR has secured legal protection from the Delhi High Court against the unauthorised use of his name, image, and likeness across digital platforms.
The actor, popularly known as the Man of the Masses, approached the court citing widespread misuse of his identity on social media and e-commerce platforms. According to the petition, such unauthorised exploitation not only caused commercial harm but also posed a serious threat to his reputation, particularly in an age dominated by artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and manipulated digital content.
Taking note of the concerns raised, the Delhi High Court treated the plea under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The court directed concerned intermediaries to promptly remove, disable, or restrict access to infringing content upon receipt of a valid complaint.
Reacting to the order, NTR expressed gratitude to the judiciary, stating, “I thank the Hon’ble Delhi High Court for granting a protective order safeguarding my personality rights in today’s digital environment.” He also acknowledged the efforts of his legal team, including Supreme Court Advocates Dr. Balajanaki Srinivasan and Dr. Alka Dakar, and the team at Rights & Marks, for their role in securing the relief.
The ruling reinforces the growing judicial recognition of personality and publicity rights in India, underscoring that unauthorised commercial exploitation of an individual’s name, image, or likeness—particularly when it risks reputational harm—will invite legal consequences.
