Delhi High Court orders takedown of AI-Generated, obscene content targeting Ravi Kishan

The Delhi High Court has granted interim protection to the personality rights of actor and politician Ravi Kishan, directing the removal of unauthorised and allegedly obscene content that uses his name, image and likeness without consent. The order was passed by Justice Jyoti Singh in a suit filed by Kishan seeking protection against the circulation of AI-generated and derogatory content across websites and social media platforms, according to a report by Bar & Bench.As part of the interim relief, the court restrained the publication and dissemination of any vulgar, derogatory or defamatory material that exploits Kishan's image or personality traits. The court also directed technology platforms Google, Meta and X Corp to take down the identified content within 72 hours if the original publishers and domain registrars fail to remove it within three days of receiving the court's July 2 order.The case was brought by Ravi Kishan over what he alleged was the unauthorised use of his identity in multiple forms of online content, including AI-generated material. According to the report, one of the pieces of content challenged by Kishan was a radio segment titled "What is Love with Kavi Kishan", aired on Ishq 104.8 FM. Kishan argued that the programme had commercially exploited his name, image and likeness without his permission.Also read: Bombay HC allows Preity Zinta to sue Google, Meta over alleged AI deepfakesHe also informed the court that an AI-generated video featuring a mock imitation of him had been uploaded on Ishq FM's official Instagram account, further violating his personality rights.Taking note of these allegations, the court issued an injunction against Creative Channel Advertising and Marketing Private Limited, also known as Manoranjan TV Network, which owns and operates Ishq 104.8 FM.The injunction extends beyond named defendants and also applies to unidentified persons, commonly referred to in legal proceedings as John Doe defendants, who may have uploaded or circulated infringing content online.The order comes amid a growing number of legal disputes involving AI-generated content, deepfakes and unauthorised commercial use of public figures' identities. Courts in India have increasingly been asked to address concerns around personality rights, particularly as advances in artificial intelligence make it easier to create realistic imitations of celebrities and public personalities.The matter is scheduled to be heard next on October 15. Ravi Kishan was represented by senior advocates N. Hariharan and Sanjay Upadhaya, along with a team of advocates including Neeraj Grover, Krishna Kumar Shukla, Madhav Anand, Pranav Prasoon, Alvin Antony, Mansi Bachani, Kunal Khanna and Kartik Mitra.