NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has issued an interim order safeguarding the personality and publicity rights of renowned Telugu actor Mohan Babu. On Friday, Justice Mini Pushkarna restrained social media platforms, AI chatbots, and e-commerce websites from exploiting the actor’s name, voice, or image without permission.
The Court acknowledged a prima facie case for interim relief, noting that failure to act could result in irreparable harm to Mohan Babu. It directed the defendants and their associates to cease creating, publishing, or sharing any content that infringes upon the actor’s personality rights. Furthermore, the use of AI, the Metaverse, or any other medium to replicate his likeness, voice, or image was explicitly prohibited.
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Google was also ordered to remove content flagged by Mohan Babu as violative of his rights, and the Court emphasized that no merchandise could be sold using his identity without proper authorization.
The case will be heard next in May 2025. This ruling follows similar relief granted in October 2024 to Mohan Babu’s son, Vishnu Manchu, by the same court.
Mohan Babu, born Manchu Bhaktavatsalam Naidu on March 19, 1952, is a veteran actor, producer, and former politician with a legacy of over 500 films. Honored with the Padma Shri in 2007, he also manages the Sree Vidyanikethan Educational Institutions in Andhra Pradesh. However, his family has recently faced controversies, including property disputes and allegations of assault against a journalist.
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This case reflects a growing trend of celebrities turning to the courts to protect their personality rights. Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor initiated the trend by securing a similar order to combat AI misuse, a move recognized by Time Magazine. Earlier this year, Jackie Shroff followed suit.
Mohan Babu was represented in court by advocates Pravin Anand, Dhruv Anand, and Udita Patro from the law firm Anand & Anand.