The Delhi High Court has issued a protective order in favour of Bollywood actor Kajol Devgan, safeguarding her personality rights and directing action against the unauthorised use of her image on commercial goods and explicit material.
The Court acknowledged that personality rights are an intrinsic part of an individual’s privacy and reputation. It held that using a celebrity’s name or likeness without consent for commercial gain or on material that is sexually suggestive or obscene violates these rights and can cause significant harm to the person concerned.
In its ruling, the Bench restrained the sale, distribution, publication and circulation of all commercial products, publications and digital content that exploit Kajol’s identity without her permission. This includes merchandise, posters, clothing, memorabilia and any material that portrays the actor in an offensive or degrading manner.
The Court’s direction extends to online marketplaces and physical retail outlets, instructing them to immediately cease offering such unauthorised items. It emphasised that digital platforms must proactively take down infringing listings upon notice and adopt necessary measures to prevent recurrence, failing which they could face consequences under the law.
The judgment reinforces the principle that an individual’s right to control the commercial use of their image and reputation is protected under the law, especially where celebrity status may make unauthorised exploitation lucrative. By curbing the circulation of obscene and unapproved merchandise, the Court ensured the actor’s dignity and privacy are preserved.
This decision aligns with a growing body of judicial recognition that celebrity personality rights, including protection from defamation and unauthorised commercial exploitation, are an important facet of personal liberty and privacy in the digital age.
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