Court Grants Interim Injunction to Protect Singer’s Image from Unauthorized Use on AI Platforms and E-commerce Sites
In a landmark ruling that underscores the evolving intersection of technology and personal rights, the Delhi High Court has granted an interim injunction to popular singer Jubin Nautiyal, protecting his personality and publicity rights from unauthorized exploitation by artificial intelligence (AI) platforms and e-commerce websites. The decision was rendered by Justice Tushar Rao Gedela on February 19, 2026, in the matter of Jubin Nautiyal v. Jammable Limited and Others.
The court's order restrains several defendants, including AI platforms and prominent e-commerce sites like Flipkart and Amazon, from exploiting Nautiyal's name, voice, image, and other personal traits for commercial gain. The case highlights the challenges artists face in protecting their identity in the digital age, where technology can easily replicate and monetize personal attributes without consent.
Nautiyal, represented by a team of advocates led by Mr. Vivek Vidyarthi, argued that his extensive body of work and public persona have significant commercial value, which was being illicitly exploited by various entities. These entities were using sophisticated AI and machine learning technologies to clone his voice and image, creating unauthorized content and merchandise that could mislead consumers and damage his reputation.
Justice Gedela, in his order, emphasized the necessity of protecting individual rights in the face of technological advancements. The court recognized the irreparable harm that could be caused to Nautiyal's reputation and livelihood if such unauthorized uses were allowed to continue unchecked.
The judgment further mandates e-commerce platforms to remove infringing content and provide information about parties engaging in the unauthorized exploitation of Nautiyal’s rights. The court also granted an exemption from pre-institution mediation under the Commercial Courts Act, 2015, citing the urgency of the matter.
This ruling sets a significant precedent for the protection of personality and publicity rights in India, particularly concerning the unauthorized use of personal attributes through AI and digital platforms. It underscores the need for robust legal frameworks to address the challenges posed by technology in protecting personal rights.
Bottom Line:
Personality/Publicity Rights - Interim injunction granted to protect plaintiff's personality/publicity rights against unauthorized exploitation, including through the use of technology like artificial intelligence, sale of merchandise, and online platforms.
Statutory provision(s): Commercial Courts Act, 2015 Section 12A, Civil Procedure Code, 1908 Order XXXIX Rules 1 & 2, Section 151 of the CPC, Section 80 of the CPC.
Jubin Nautiyal v. Jammable Limited, (Delhi) : Law Finder Doc id # 2857679
