Delhi High Court Directs Amitabh Bachchan To Appear Personally If Settlement In Personality Rights Suit Fails

The Delhi High Court has granted time to actor Amitabh Bachchan to complete the formalities of an amicable settlement reached with some defendants in his personality rights suit.

Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav permitted Bachchan to place the formal settlement agreement on record.

The Court was informed that although a settlement had been arrived at with some of the defendants, it could not be formally signed due to logistical issues on the actor's part.

The Court granted time to complete the necessary formalities and listed the matter for further hearing on November 16.

The Court further directed that if the settlement remains incomplete or does not materialise, and Bachchan wishes to pursue the suit on any of the claims or issues, he shall remain personally present on the next date of hearing.

“In the event of non-settlement or incomplete settlement, if the plaintiff wishes to pursue the suit on any of the claims or issues, the plaintiff shall remain personally present on the next date of hearing, enabling the Court to exercise its powers under Order X Rule 2 (Oral examination) read with Order V Rule 3 (Court may order defendant or plaintiff to appear in person) of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, and Section 168 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023,” it said.

The suit was filed by Bachchan seeking a permanent injunction to protect his personality rights.

On November 25, 2022, the Court had granted an ex-parte ad-interim injunction in his favour.

The coordinate bench had observed that a prima facie case was made out in favour of the actor and against the defendants, who are various individuals and entities, allegedly violating Bachchan's personality rights.

It had granted protection to Bachchan against fake Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) lottery scam and other online frauds where his photo and voice are being misused to deceive the public.