Kriti Sanon Fights for Personality Rights; Delhi HC Seeks Legal Clarity
Actor Kriti Sanon seeks protection of her personality rights in Delhi High Court, prompting the judge to call for wider legal clarity on the issue.
Bollywood actor Kriti Sanon has approached the Delhi High Court to seek legal protection for her personality rights, sparking a broader judicial conversation about how a public figure's identity is guarded in the modern age. As the court takes up the matter, it has signaled that the case could lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the legal principles governing such claims.
Court Calls for Deeper Legal Examination
During the proceedings on Friday, Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav observed that cases regarding personality rights are becoming increasingly frequent. Rather than focusing solely on the specific facts of Sanon's petition, the judge emphasized the need for a wider examination of the legal framework.
Justice Kaurav has directed advocate Pravin Anand, representing the actor, to provide a detailed compilation of research materials and previous judicial precedents. The court is specifically interested in:
- The exact extent of protection available under personality rights.
- Which specific attributes of an individual are eligible for legal protection.
- Whether the Intellectual Property Division (IPD) of the High Court is the appropriate jurisdiction to handle these disputes.
What Exactly Are Personality Rights?
During the hearing, advocate Pravin Anand explained that personality rights are not limited to just a name. According to the submission, these rights can extend to an individual's:
- Voice and face
- Image and photographs
- Videos and overall likeness
"Can you give me some research paper? Please give a compilation. Give me judgments and your understanding regarding personality rights," the court observed, indicating that a comprehensive order may be passed after reviewing the material.
A Growing Trend Among Celebrities
Kriti Sanon is not the first high-profile individual to seek such protection. The Delhi High Court has seen a surge in similar petitions from actors, athletes, and political figures. Previous cases have involved prominent names such as:
- Actors: Kangana Ranaut, Tabu, and Vijay Deverakonda.
- Cricketers: Yuvraj Singh and Abhishek Sharma.
- Public Figures: Shashi Tharoor and Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan.
The Challenge of the Digital Age
The rise of digital platforms and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has added layers of complexity to these legal battles. The court is now grappling with issues such as deepfakes, unauthorized digital reproductions, and AI-driven impersonations used to promote products or services without the celebrity's knowledge.
The legal challenge lies in balancing these protections against other fundamental rights, including the freedom of expression, artistic creativity, and the requirements of news reporting.
Advocate Anand has assured the court that the requested compilation will be filed promptly, maintaining that no jurisdictional issues exist in Sanon's specific case. The matter is now scheduled for further hearing on October 29.