Delhi High Court protects NTR Jr.'s personality rights against deepfake misuse
The Delhi High Court granted an interim order protecting actor Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Junior's personality rights against unauthorized commercial use via deepfake technology. Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora restrained various defendants and websites from exploiting the actor's name, image and likeness without authorization.
What happened
Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora of the Delhi High Court passed an interim order on December 22, 2025, restraining various defendants and unidentified entities and websites from exploiting actor Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Junior's personality traits using artificial intelligence and deepfake technology.
The Court noted that NTR Jr. is a known and recognized actor whose name, image, and likeness have acquired goodwill through decades of professional achievement and brand endorsements, and that he has millions of followers across social media platforms and several brand endorsement agreements.
Reported impact
The actor sought protection against unauthorized commercial use of his name, image and likeness for selling merchandise and other commercial gains without his authorization.
The Court found that the continuing availability of the infringing merchandise would cause irreparable injury to the actor.
Governance controls
The Court held that the plaintiff is entitled to seek injunction against the use of his personality rights by third parties for commercial gains without authorization, citing the public association uniquely tied to his identities and his reputation amongst the public.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.