Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan has added another feather to his cap, not through a blockbuster film or a red-carpet appearance, but via a landmark legal decision. The Delhi High Court has officially upheld the protection of his personality rights, joining a growing list of celebrities taking legal measures to safeguard their image, likeness, and personal brand from unauthorized commercial exploitation. However, in a nuanced decision, the court stopped short of granting the actor’s request to remove fan pages dedicated to him, highlighting the delicate balance between celebrity rights and fan culture in the age of social media and artificial intelligence.

Personality Rights in the Age of AI and Social Media

As artificial intelligence, digital avatars, and deepfake technology become increasingly sophisticated, the protection of personality rights has never been more critical. Public figures are at the forefront of these changes, where their images, names, and likenesses can be replicated, manipulated, or monetized without consent. The legal concept of personality rights encompasses two primary dimensions: the right to prevent commercial exploitation of one’s image or likeness, often addressed under publicity rights within intellectual property law, and the right to privacy, which safeguards an individual’s personal life from unwarranted intrusion.

The Lakshmikumaran Sridharan Attorneys’ website emphasizes the significance of celebrity status in contemporary society, noting, “The word ‘celebrity’ is perceived by a large chunk of the population as an honour and a reward for success. Sportspersons and artists earn it by skill, businessmen and TV personalities by wit, politicians by votes, and for some, it is spontaneous, like in the case of princes and princesses. Certain others acquire it by their chance involvement in newsworthy events.” Protecting this status ensures that a celebrity’s hard-earned reputation and personal brand are not misused in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Hrithik Roshan Joins the League of Celebrity Litigants

While the concept of personality rights has existed in Indian jurisprudence for some time, celebrities have increasingly sought judicial intervention to maintain control over how their image and name are used. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, for example, was among the first to move courts for personality rights protection, followed by her husband Abhishek Bachchan, filmmaker and producer Karan Johar, spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and journalist Sudhir Chaudhary. Now, Hrithik Roshan has joined this exclusive but expanding group, signaling both the relevance of the issue and the confidence celebrities have in Indian courts to safeguard their interests.

The actor filed a petition seeking relief against unauthorized use of his name, image, and likeness across various digital platforms. The Delhi High Court, led by Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, has granted relief, directing the removal of specific infringing posts that violated Roshan’s personality rights. The decision underscores the judiciary’s recognition of the commercial and personal value attached to a celebrity’s image, especially in the context of social media, where content can spread rapidly and be monetized without consent.

The Court’s Caveat: Fan Pages Remain

Despite the favorable verdict, the court drew a clear line regarding fan pages. Justice Arora explicitly refused to order the immediate takedown of fan pages dedicated to Hrithik Roshan. The rationale was simple: fan clubs are a different category of content, often run by genuine admirers without commercial intent. The court noted that at the ex parte stage, it would be inappropriate to remove such pages and suggested that the actor would need to approach the court individually for any specific takedown requests.

The judgment reflects a nuanced understanding of modern celebrity culture. Fan pages, social media tributes, and user-generated content form a significant part of a celebrity’s public image and often contribute to their popularity. By distinguishing between commercial exploitation and fan admiration, the court has set a precedent that respects both the rights of the individual and the community that celebrates them.

Implications for Indian Law and Celebrity Rights

This case comes at a time when Indian law is gradually evolving to address the challenges posed by technology, social media, and AI in protecting personal identity. With the rise of deepfakes, AI-generated avatars, and unlicensed merchandising, celebrities increasingly face situations where their likeness could be misused for financial gain or reputational harm. Legal protections like those granted to Hrithik Roshan are essential to provide a framework within which public figures can assert control over their persona.

The distinction drawn by the court between infringing commercial posts and fan pages may also influence future cases, particularly in clarifying the limits of personality rights. While the law allows celebrities to prevent unauthorized use for commercial purposes, it simultaneously respects the organic fan culture that has become intrinsic to modern fame. This duality ensures that personality rights do not inadvertently stifle expressions of admiration or fandom.

Looking Ahead: Next Hearing and Enforcement

The matter is scheduled for further hearing on March 27, 2026, where the Delhi High Court will likely examine additional details regarding the implementation of the relief granted and whether any fan pages may cross the line into commercial exploitation. Meanwhile, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has been instructed to provide Business Source Identification (BSI) details for the infringing accounts so that Hrithik’s legal team can take further action as necessary.

The case demonstrates the proactive approach celebrities must adopt to protect their rights in an increasingly digital world. From unauthorized posts to AI-generated content, the potential for misuse is vast. Legal interventions like these provide a critical safety net, ensuring that a public figure’s persona is not exploited without consent.

Celebrity Persona in the Digital Era

Hrithik Roshan’s case highlights a broader trend where Indian celebrities are becoming more aware of their personal branding and the legal measures available to protect it. In the era of social media, where content is instantly shareable and global in reach, personality rights have moved from a niche legal concern to a mainstream necessity. By securing judicial recognition, celebrities like Hrithik not only protect their commercial interests but also affirm their control over the narrative surrounding their public image.

Moreover, the case underscores the evolving relationship between celebrities and their fans. While fans play a crucial role in enhancing a celebrity’s visibility and cultural influence, legal boundaries ensure that admiration does not morph into unauthorized commercial exploitation. By distinguishing between fan-driven content and infringing commercial use, the court has carefully balanced individual rights with collective cultural practices.

Conclusion

Hrithik Roshan’s successful legal intervention reaffirms the importance of personality rights in contemporary India. The Delhi High Court’s decision protects the actor from unauthorized commercial use of his image while maintaining fan engagement, setting a thoughtful precedent for the future. As artificial intelligence, social media, and digital content continue to evolve, such legal safeguards will become increasingly vital for public figures across fields—from actors and sportspersons to influencers and thought leaders.

For Hrithik Roshan, the case not only secures his personal and commercial interests but also reinforces the broader principle that celebrity identity is a valuable asset, deserving of careful legal protection. While fan admiration continues to flourish online, unauthorized commercial use will no longer remain unchecked, ensuring that public figures retain control over their image in an era of unprecedented technological advancement.