Bollywood Actor Suniel Shetty Moves Bombay High Court Against His Deepfake Images

Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty has moved the Bombay High Court seeking protection of his personality rights. He has asked the court to restrain the circulation of deepfake images and videos featuring him and his family across social media platforms.

Shetty has also sought directions to take down his unauthorised photographs used on commercial websites, including gambling and astrology platforms. He further prayed for action against the sale of merchandise using his name and likeness without consent.

The matter was heard on Friday by Justice Arif S Doctor, who is likely to pass an ex parte ad interim order.

Appearing for Shetty, Senior Advocate Birendra Saraf said the actor has appeared in over 100 films and has a wide public presence. He said that unknown persons are using images including those of his grandchild for brand endorsements.

“There are deepfake photographs and videos circulating, some showing him with his grandchild,” Saraf told the court. “Real estate and astrology websites are using his image. A gambling website has also featured him. None of this is with his permission.”

He also submitted that there are fake agents who claiming to represent Shetty for brand endorsements. Several fake social media accountshave also been created in his name.

He also pointed out that in some cases, platforms like Meta had only labelled the content as deepfake but failed to remove it.

Justice Doctor remarked on the dangers of unregulated AI. “This AI and social media… if not regulated, it's scary what people can do with it,” he said.

Agreeing to it, Saraf referenced a recent deepfake video of the Chief Justice of India that had circulated widely. “Even I believed it was real for two days before learning it was fake,” he said.

The petition includes a prayer for a John Doe order to restrain unknown entities from misusing Shetty's images.

SUNIEL V SHETTY VS JOHN DOE S ASHOK KUMAR S

COMIP(L)/32130/2025