admin 
New Delhi, August 10: Tabu personality rights have received significant legal protection after the Delhi High Court granted an ex-parte interim injunction restraining the unauthorised use of actress Tabu’s name, image, voice, photographs and other distinctive personality attributes.
Justice Jyoti Singh passed the order on a petition filed by the actor, directing several major digital platforms and service providers to remove or disable access to URLs allegedly carrying unauthorised and objectionable content associated with her identity.
The order specifically addresses the growing misuse of artificial intelligence, deepfakes, face morphing and other digital technologies to manipulate and commercially exploit the identity of public figures.
Delhi High Court Protects Tabu Personality Rights
The Delhi High Court observed that Tabu’s name and stage name “Tabu”, along with her image, voice, likeness and other personality attributes, have acquired distinctive identity and are closely associated with her by the public.
The Court held that Tabu had established a prima facie case for an ex-parte interim injunction. It also found that the balance of convenience was in her favour and that she could suffer irreparable harm if immediate protection was not granted.
The Court’s order prevents defendants from using or exploiting the actress’s personality attributes without her consent or authorisation.
AI Deepfakes Become Key Concern in Tabu Case
A significant aspect of the case involved allegations concerning AI-generated obscene images, videos and GIFs.
According to the actress’s plaint, excerpts from her films, interviews and public appearances were allegedly manipulated and circulated online. Some movie scenes were reportedly edited, slowed down or zoomed in to focus on intimate portions before being distributed online.
The Court observed that the alleged dissemination of AI-generated and deliberately edited material could sensationalise content, divert online traffic and generate monetary gains while causing serious harm to Tabu’s reputation and commercial value.
The case highlights the growing challenge posed by AI deepfakes, particularly when a celebrity’s identity is manipulated without permission.
Court Orders Removal of More Than 150 URLs
The Delhi High Court issued specific directions to several major online platforms.
Google LLC was directed to remove, disable or take down multiple sets of URLs, including 21 URLs in one set, eight in another and five in another, within 36 hours of receiving the Court’s order.
Meta Platforms Inc. was directed to take action against 73 URLs in one document, 28 URLs in another and five URLs in a third document.
X Corp. was directed to take down three identified URLs, while eBay Inc. was ordered to remove specified URLs. Reddit Inc. was also directed to take down identified content within the prescribed period.
Overall, the order covers more than 150 specifically identified URLs across different platforms, along with additional directions concerning certain domains and online material.
Tabu Personality Rights Include AI and Digital Platforms
The injunction concerning Tabu personality rights is particularly significant because it specifically covers emerging technologies and digital platforms.
The restraint applies to the unauthorised use of Tabu’s stage name, real name Tabassum Jamal Hashmi, voice recordings and duplications, signatures, initials, photographs, images and movie stills.
The order also specifically addresses misuse through:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Generative AI
- Machine Learning
- Deepfakes
- Face morphing
- GIFs
- Websites
- Mobile applications
- Social media
- Metaverse platforms
- Other physical and virtual mediums
This broad scope demonstrates the Court’s recognition that personality rights can be threatened through rapidly evolving digital technologies.
Court Orders Platforms to Disclose Subscriber Information
Another important part of the order involves the identification of people allegedly responsible for the unauthorised content.
The Court directed Google, Meta, X, Reddit and GoDaddy, as applicable, to disclose Basic Subscriber Information and IP log details connected with certain accounts and online material.
The information could help Tabu identify individuals allegedly involved in creating or distributing material that exploited her identity.
Such directions can become important in cases where anonymous or pseudonymous online accounts are allegedly used to infringe the personality rights of public figures.
Fake Booking Account Allegedly Used Tabu’s Identity
The case also concerns an Instagram account that allegedly offered bookings for Tabu’s appearances and performances.
According to the actress, she had no association with the account and had never authorised anyone to make bookings on her behalf.
The account allegedly had around 2,000 followers and used her name, photographs and video clips in a manner that could create an impression of an official association with the actress.
The Court’s interim protection covers such alleged unauthorised commercial exploitation of Tabu’s personality attributes.
Unauthorised Merchandise Also Under Court’s Lens
The actress also alleged that several websites were selling merchandise featuring her photographs.
The reported merchandise included mugs, posters, calendars, hoodies and sweatshirts.
Tabu’s counsel argued that the use of her photographs on such products created an unauthorised commercial association and exploited the commercial value connected with her identity.
The issue demonstrates that Tabu personality rights extend beyond the unauthorised use of a name or photograph and can also involve commercial exploitation through products and services.
Court Highlights Reputation and Right to Dignity
The Delhi High Court stressed that personality rights are not limited to financial or commercial interests.
The Court observed that unauthorised exploitation of the distinctive attributes of famous personalities can affect their privacy, personality and right to live with dignity.
The Court also considered the alleged fabricated and disparaging statement attributed to Tabu. The actress maintained that she had never made the statement and that her team had already issued clarifications to leading newspapers.
Despite the denial, the publication allegedly continued carrying the material.
The Court described the continuation of the disputed publication as an “egregious act” and directed the concerned publisher to stop circulating the statement and remove it from its platforms within three days of receiving the order.
Tabu’s Long Career Cited by Delhi High Court
The Court also noted Tabu’s long-standing career and reputation in Indian and international cinema.
The order referred to her professional achievements, including her Padma Shri, two National Awards and other honours.
The Court also recorded that the actress has millions of followers, including around 3.2 million followers on Instagram, and has been associated with several prominent brands.
These factors were relevant to the Court’s consideration of the commercial and reputational value attached to her identity.
Delhi High Court Registers Commercial Suit
The Delhi High Court has formally registered Tabu’s plaint as a commercial suit and issued summons to the defendants.
The remaining defendants have been directed to file their written statements within 30 days of receiving the summons.
The Court has also taken up matters concerning the discovery, production and inspection of documents.
The application seeking discovery and inspection has been issued notice, with the matter listed for further consideration on December 7, 2026.
The interim injunction will remain in operation until the next hearing, subject to further orders from the Court.
What the Tabu Personality Rights Order Means
The Tabu personality rights order represents an important development in the protection of celebrity identity in the digital age.
The case demonstrates how courts are being asked to address new forms of unauthorised exploitation involving AI-generated content, deepfakes, manipulated videos, fake social media accounts and online merchandise.
However, the Court’s order is an interim protection and does not finally determine all allegations in the suit. The Court granted the protection after finding a prima facie case and the likelihood of irreparable harm.
As the case progresses, further proceedings could provide additional clarity on the application of personality and publicity rights to AI-generated content and other emerging forms of digital exploitation.
About The Author
