Kamal Hassan Wins Interim Relief Against Unauthorized Use of Image and Name
In a significant ruling by the Madras High Court, Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy has granted interim relief to Indian cinema icon Kamal Hassan, restraining the unauthorized use of his image and name. The judgment, delivered on January 12, 2026, safeguards the personality and publicity rights of the celebrity, preventing the creation of morphed images and the sale of merchandise bearing Hassan’s likeness without his consent.
Kamal Hassan, represented by senior counsel Mr. Satish Parasaran, moved the court seeking an injunction against the misuse of his personality rights. The court was presented with evidence of several morphed photographs and unauthorized merchandise that purportedly inflicted damage on Hassan's image and reputation.
In the order, Justice Ramamoorthy highlighted the strong prima facie case established by the plaintiff, justifying the need for an ex-parte interim injunction. The respondents, including unidentified parties labeled as "John Doe," were restrained from creating or distributing false images and unauthorized merchandise until the next hearing scheduled for February 4, 2026.
The court's order emphasized that while protection is granted against unauthorized commercial exploitation, it does not obstruct legitimate forms of creative expression such as caricatures or satire. Furthermore, the plaintiff was directed to publish notices in widely circulated English and Tamil dailies to ensure broad communication of the court's order, adhering to the procedural requirements under Order XXXIX Rule 3 of the Civil Procedure Code.
This ruling underscores the judiciary's recognition of the rights of public figures to control the commercial use of their identity, setting a precedent for future cases involving personality and publicity rights in India.
Bottom Line:
Personality and publicity rights of a celebrity protected - Restraining order issued against creating morphed images, unauthorized use of celebrity's image or name on merchandise without consent.
Statutory provision(s): Civil Procedure Code, Order XXXIX Rule 3
Kamal Hassan v. Neeyevidai, (Madras) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2836863
