Mumbai: In a landmark legal move to protect celebrity identity, the Bombay High Court has officially recognized that the iconic dialogue “Khamosh” is “exclusively associated” with the persona of veteran actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha. Presiding over the matter, Justice Sharmila Deshmukh issued an interim order prohibiting the unauthorized use of Sinha’s name, voice, images, and other personal attributes for the creation of online content without his explicit consent. The court’s decision, which became available in detail this Saturday, addresses the growing concern over digital forgeries and the commercial exploitation of famous personalities.
The petition, filed by Sinha through legal counsel, sought a permanent injunction against the misappropriation of his likeness, specifically targeting his unique style of dialogue delivery. The court noted that the actor’s persona is inextricably linked to the distinct manner in which he delivers his famous punchline. By granting this protection, the judiciary aimed to curb the rise of unauthorized digital material, including fake online profiles and content generated through artificial intelligence that mimics the actor’s voice and physical appearance.
Justice Deshmukh highlighted the specific dangers posed by modern technology, noting that the advent of artificial intelligence has led to a surge in digital forgeries that violate privacy and personality rights. The court observed that using AI to morph faces or synthesize voices not only infringes on individual rights but also risks tarnishing the hard-earned reputation and goodwill of public figures. Consequently, all websites and social media platforms have been directed to immediately remove any infringing content that exploits Sinha’s attributes for commercial or public gain.
This interim order reflects a broader judicial trend in India toward strengthening “personality rights” in the digital age. By acknowledging that an individual’s style and voice are protected assets, the court has set a significant precedent for how celebrities can defend their identities against unauthorized AI manipulation. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on March 30, while the current injunction remains in place to prevent any future unauthorized uploads.
