Delhi HC asks Kriti Sanon for research in personality rights case
Delhi High Court has asked Kriti Sanon's counsel to compile judgments and research on personality rights before the October 29 hearing.
Kriti Sanon has asked the Delhi High Court to protect her personality rights. On Friday, the court made it clear that her request raises legal questions larger than a single actor, and it wants a broader examination before deciding the boundaries.
A compilation instead of a quick ruling
Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav asked advocate Pravin Anand, who represents Sanon, to prepare a comprehensive compilation of judgments and research material on personality rights. The court wants clarity on the extent of legal protection available, the attributes of an individual that can be protected, and whether the High Court’s Intellectual Property Division has jurisdiction over such disputes.
The judge pointed out that these matters are frequently brought before the court, so the issues need to be examined beyond the facts of the present case.
“Can you give me some research paper?” Justice Kaurav asked.
He also asked for relevant judicial precedents and the counsel’s understanding of personality rights. Anand said the compilation would be filed during the day, and submitted that no jurisdictional issue arose in Sanon’s case. The matter is listed for further hearing on October 29.
What could be legally protected
Anand told the court that personality rights may extend to an individual’s name, voice, face, image, photographs and videos. The concern, he said, is commercial use of a person’s identity without consent or authorisation.
- Name, voice, face and image
- Photographs and videos
- Commercial use without authorisation
Depending on the facts, these disputes can also touch privacy, publicity rights and intellectual property law.
Why the court wants a wider lens
The case is part of a growing line of personality rights petitions before the Delhi High Court from actors, sportspersons and other public figures. Earlier matters have involved Kangana Ranaut, Tabu, Vijay Deverakonda, cricketers Abhishek Sharma and Yuvraj Singh, Shashi Tharoor and Pawan Kalyan.
Digital platforms and AI have made the problem harder to define. Courts now have to consider unauthorised digital reproductions, impersonation, deepfakes and the use of a public figure’s identity to promote products or services. They must also protect freedom of expression, news reporting and artistic creativity, so the line is not automatic.
What the next hearing could signal
The compilation is expected to help the court examine the boundaries of personality rights and the appropriate forum for deciding them. For actors, creators and sports stars, the final order could become a reference point for how a name, voice or face can be used commercially without permission.
Source: Hindustan Times
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