Delhi High Court Protects Personality Rights Of Preacher Aniruddhacharya Against AI Deepfakes, Meme Content

The Delhi High Court has granted an ex-parte ad-interim injunction in favour of spiritual preacher Aniruddhacharya, restraining unauthorised use of his persona through AI-generated content, deepfakes and meme-based material across digital platforms.

Justice Tushar Rao Gedela passed the john doe order while hearing a suit filed by the preacher, who alleged large-scale misuse of his identity, voice, likeness and teachings by various defendants, including unknown entities.

Anirudhacharya contended that he enjoys significant goodwill and global recognition as a spiritual orator, with millions of followers across platforms like YouTube and Instagram.

It was argued that his name, voice, appearance, distinctive discourse style, and even catchphrases constitute protectable personality and publicity rights.

He alleged that the defendants were creating and circulating AI-generated videos, deepfakes, morphed content and memes falsely depicting him in inappropriate, misleading and commercial contexts. The impugned content included fabricated endorsements, humorous distortions of sermons, and impersonation through digital manipulation.

Passing interim order in his favour, Justice Gedela said that the spiritual leader had a prima facie strong case, and having regard to his well-known, popular and well-accepted personality, the balance of convenience was tilted in his favour.

“In case ex-parte ad-interim injunction and other directions, as sought, are not passed, irreparable loss and injury, which may occasion, may not be compensated in monetary terms. The apprehension of dent and damage to the image and personality of the plaintiff, prima facie, appears to be real and present,” the judge said.

The Court further observed that the infringing content did not indicate that they were mere parody and appeared to be disparaging and infringing the personality rights of Anirudhacharya.

The Court restrained the defendants from using, reproducing or exploiting the spiritual orator's name, voice, image, likeness or persona without authorisation, including through AI or deepfake technologies.

It also prohibited the defendants from creating and disseminating any content falsely representing or impersonating him.

Justice Gedela also directed the intermediaries including Meta Platforms, X and Google to take down and disable access to identified infringing content.

Anirudhacharya was granted liberty to notify additional infringing links for prompt removal without initiating fresh proceedings.

Title: ANIL KUMAR TIWARI ANIRUDHACHARYA v. JOHN DOE ASHOK KUMAR AND ORS

Click here to read order