Amitabh Bachchan Wins Case to Protect His Likeness Being Used Without Permission

Amitabh Bachchan has won the case for preventing his name, image, or voice from being used without his permission. Delhi High Court ruled in favour of the actor whose petition also stated that his name, image, and voice were being used by developers to conduct lotteries by illegally associating with Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC).

Justice Navin Chawla passed an interim order in favour of veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan who did not want his name, voice, or image to be used without his permission. It is now illegal for anyone to infringe on Bachchan’s personality and publicity rights without his permission. It was found that the defendants were using the actor’s celebrity status to promote their own businesses.

He said, “The plaintiff is likely to suffer irreparable loss and harm. Some of the activities may even bring him disrepute. In view of the above, an ex parte ad interim order is passed.” He went on to say, “It cannot seriously be disputed that the plaintiff (Bachchan) is a well-known personality and is also represented in various advertisements. The plaintiff is aggrieved by the defendants using his celebrity status to promote their own goods and services without his permission or authorisation. Having considered the plaint, I am of the opinion that a prima facie case is made out and the balance of convenience also lies in his favour.”

Bachchan is being represented by eminent lawyer Harish Salve who said in his statement, “I am just giving a flavour of what is going on. Someone is making t-shirts and started putting his face on them. Someone is selling his poster. Someone has gone and registered a domain name, amitabhbachchan.com. This is why we have come.” The actor has also requested restraining orders against T-shirt vendors, book publishers, and other businesses.

The case will next be heard in court in March next year.

Vineet Washington