Actor Manoj Bajpayee has approached the Delhi High Court to express his concerns about the unauthorised use of his image, voice, and identity. The 57-year-old actor filed a petition on 21 September 2026, seeking legal safeguards for his personality rights. Bajpayee alleges that his likeness is being exploited to promote various products and that artificial intelligence tools are being utilised to replicate his voice.

The case was briefly heard by Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, with Senior Advocate Swathi Sukumar representing Bajpayee. One of the pivotal issues discussed was the alleged misuse of Bajpayee’s photographs by H2PG Designs Private Limited, which purportedly created the impression that he endorsed their suits. Additionally, the court was informed that another party was allegedly employing AI technology to imitate Bajpayee’s voice.

Bajpayee also raised alarms about AI chatbots that utilise elements of his personality, further intensifying his call for protective measures regarding his identity and likeness.

Jurisdiction Questions Raised During Hearing

During the hearing, questions were raised regarding the jurisdiction of the Delhi High Court in this matter. Justice Kaurav inquired why Bajpayee chose to file his case in Delhi when his primary residence is in Mumbai. In response, Sukumar clarified that some of the defendants are situated in Delhi, establishing the court’s jurisdiction to adjudicate the case.

The court acknowledged that cases where defendants do not contest can be swiftly resolved, and Justice Kaurav remarked on the efficiency of directing such matters to the Registrar instead of burdening the court with detailed hearings. To assist in the proceedings, the judge requested Bajpayee’s counsel to compile a list of interim and final orders from previous cases focused on personality rights.

Additionally, the court urged the counsel to present how other High Courts have handled similar requests, indicating a structured approach to addressing Bajpayee’s concerns.

Precedents in Personality Rights Protection

The Delhi High Court has established a precedent in granting protections to various public figures regarding their personality rights. Notable cases include actors such as Tabu, cricketer Yuvraj Singh, and politician Shashi Tharoor, among others. Previous court orders have also favoured several other celebrities, indicating the court’s commitment to safeguarding the identities of prominent individuals.

Noteworthy figures who have successfully sought similar protections include actors Allu Arjun, Mohanlal, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, along with spiritual leaders like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. These cases illustrate the court’s inclination to uphold the personality rights of public personas in the face of unauthorised exploitation.

High-profile individuals, including Bollywood star Salman Khan, have also approached the Delhi High Court for protective measures regarding their personality rights, reflecting a growing trend among celebrities facing similar issues.

The ongoing developments in Bajpayee’s case will be monitored closely, as it could set further legal precedents in the realm of personality rights protection within the country.

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