Delhi HC Orders Removal of Unauthorised Images of Bhuvan Bam, Defers Personality Rights Ruling
The Delhi High Court has ordered the removal of images of popular YouTuber Bhuvan Bam that were uploaded online without his consent. The direction applies to unknown parties (John Doe defendants) and includes the removal of offending links from digital platforms.
However, the Court did not pass any immediate order on Bam’s personality rights claim. Justice Jyoti Singh clarified that a court cannot give a prima facie finding on personality rights on the very first day of hearing. According to the judge, such a determination requires deeper examination and cannot be made at the interim stage.
Bam has filed a suit alleging that multiple entities misused his name, image, voice, and likeness without permission for commercial gain. He contends that this amounts to infringement of personality and publicity rights, along with violations of trademarks and copyrights held by him and his company, BB Ki Vines.
The creators argued that unauthorised use could mislead the public and harm their distinct brand identity. The case will now proceed for further consideration on the issue of personality rights.
