Delhi High Court to Decide Vivek Oberoi’s Suit on Personality and Publicity Rights
The Delhi High Court has said that it will soon pass orders in a civil suit filed by actor and entrepreneur Vivek Oberoi, who has approached the Court to protect his personality and publicity rights.
The matter was heard by Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, who observed that the Court would issue directions after considering the submissions.
Oberoi has alleged that his name, image, voice and likeness are being misused on a large scale across digital and commercial platforms. According to the suit, fake social media accounts, unauthorised merchandise and AI-generated content, including deepfake images, are being circulated without his consent.
The case has been filed against Collector Bazar, ZoomMantra and Indiacontent, along with several unidentified parties named as John Doe defendants. Oberoi is represented by advocates Sana Raees Khan and Pranay Chitale. He has sought a permanent injunction to restrain the defendants from further misuse of his identity.
The petition states that impersonators have created fake accounts on platforms like Instagram using Oberoi’s photographs and name. It also claims that posters, T-shirts and other merchandise carrying his likeness are being sold online without authorisation.
A major concern raised in the suit relates to the use of artificial intelligence and deepfake technology. Oberoi has alleged that his face has been morphed and superimposed onto objectionable and misleading content, causing reputational harm and public confusion.
He has argued that such acts violate his fundamental rights under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution, along with his performer’s and moral rights under the Copyright Act, 1957. The plea also relies on common law principles such as passing off, misappropriation and unfair competition.
Citing irreparable damage to his goodwill and business interests, Oberoi has requested the Court to direct the removal of unauthorised content and restrain any further exploitation of his persona.
The case adds to a growing trend of celebrities seeking legal protection against digital misuse. Earlier this year, Salman Khan filed a similar suit, while artists like Asha Bhosle, Aishwarya Rai, and Abhishek Bachchan secured court orders in 2025 to curb unauthorised use of their voice and images.
