Delhi High Court restrains unauthorised usage of Amitabh Bachchan's voice and image

On Friday, the Delhi High Court passed an interim order restraining the unauthorised use of actor Amitabh Bachchan's voice, image, name or any other trait exclusively identifiable with him by any individual.

This order was passed after the legendary actor alleged exploitation of his 'publicity rights as a celebrity' by several individuals.

Justice Navin Chawla said it is undisputed that Bachchan is a well-known personality and is likely to suffer an irreparable loss and disrepute if relief is not granted at this stage.

In the statement, the court said, "The defendants appear to be using his celebrity status for promoting their own activities without his authorisation or permission. The plaintiff is therefore likely to suffer grave irreparable harm or injury to his reputation. In fact, some of the activities complained of may also bring disrepute."

Senior advocate Harish Salve, who appeared on behalf of the actor, said the relief of injunction was sought not only against the individuals named in the lawsuit but also against 'john doe' parties or unknown parties who may be exploiting Bachchan's publicity rights.

Salve argued that besides a lottery service, domain names were registered under the actor's name; there was 'Amitabh Bachchan Video Call' service and even T-shirts bearing his photographs.

In his lawsuit, Bachchan has asserted that only he exercises the 'control over commercial utilisation of his personality, name, voice, image, likeness and other characteristics that are uniquely identifiable and associated' with him and no one can 'utilise', 'misappropriate' or 'imitate' any facet of his personality or 'exploit the same commercially' without his consent or express authorisation.

It has informed that one of the defendants is allegedly circulating messages on WhatsApp with the actor's image to promote 'KBC lotteries', which scams the public into believing that 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' was offering lottery prizes to the general public. Another defendant, the plea adds, is selling a general knowledge quiz book with Bachchan's image for aspirants who wish to participate in the television quiz show.

In his plea, the actor said that he is 'one of the most sought-after celebrities for brand endorsements' and to protect the same, he 'ensures that he endorses a product only after carrying out a thorough background check of the brand, its perception in the minds of the public and other relevant factors'.

The matter would be heard next in March.