Aishwarya Rai approaches Delhi HC over misuse of name, AI-generated images
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Actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has filed a lawsuit in the Delhi High Court seeking to protect her personality and publicity rights.
She alleged that several websites are using her name to sell products without her permission, and that AI-generated morphed images of her are being widely circulated.
The case was heard on Tuesday by Justice Tejas Karia. Senior advocate Sandeep Sethi, representing Rai, told the court that many websites are exploiting her name to market goods without authorisation.
One such website, aishwaryaworld.com, falsely claims to be “the one and only authorised and official website of Aishwarya Rai,” despite having no approval from the actress, Sethi pointed out.
Sethi also raised concerns about another entity named ‘Aishwarya Nation Wealth,’ which lists her as chairperson. “My client has no knowledge (of this) nor entered into any conversation with them,” he clarified.
The lawyer further informed the court that unknown individuals, referred to as John Does, are collecting money by claiming association with Rai and spreading morphed images. “These are not images belonging to Aishwarya Rai, nor has she authorised such images. All are AI-generated. (There are) some intimate photographs which are completely unreal.”
He further stated that no one has the right to use her images, likeness, or persona. He criticized a man for collecting money by exploiting his name and face, explaining that her name and likeness were being used to fulfill someone’s sexual desires, which he described as very unfortunate.
Justice Karia directed Google’s legal representative to remove infringing links listed in the suit. He also said that injunction orders would be issued to stop the unauthorised use of Rai’s images and name.
This is not the first time the Bachchan family has sought legal protection. In 2023, they approached the Delhi High Court against misleading information being spread for publicity. At that time, videos falsely claimed that their daughter Aaradhya was critically ill or had passed away. They also complained about morphed pictures used in such videos.