Delhi High Court Orders Removal Of YouTuber Bhuvan Bam's Unauthorised Images, But Declines Finding Of 'Personality Rights' At Outset

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday passed a john doe order directing take down or removal of images of YouTuber and actor Bhuvan Bam being used by various entities and individuals without his consent. Justice Jyoti Singh however said that a prima facie finding cannot be given on personality rights on the first day. “It is very difficult to give such a finding at the outset. I can give you protection (qua unauthorised used of images) but I cannot give a finding on personality. I can say that there is a misuse and therefore the links be taken down,” the Court remarked. The judge said further: “On the first day I cannot render a finding of personality. Thats my view. I can be wrong. I can give you protection only on unauthorised use. I have seen those orders. This finding on the first day is uncalled for.”The Court issued summons in Bam's suit seeking protection of his personality rights. It also issued notice on his application for interim relief. The judge said that local commissioners will also be appointed in the matter. Detailed directions will be clear once the order is uploaded. The matter will now be heard on February 04. Earlier, coordinate benches have passed orders protecting personality rights of Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Pawan Kalyan, former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, and actors R Madhavan and NTR Junior. Similar suit has been filed by actor Salman Khan.The coordinate benches have passed orders protecting the personality rights of “The Art of Living” foundation founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Telugu actor Nagarjuna, Bollywood actors Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and film producer Karan Johar.Notably, the Court also recently protected the personality rights of journalist Sudhir Chaudhary, who had sought relief regarding the circulation of allegedly misleading and AI-generated videos against him on social media.The Court also passed a john doe order protecting the personality rights of podcaster Raj Shamani, observing that he is a known face in India, especially in the field of content creation.Title: BHUVAN BAM & ANR v. INKWYNK & ORS

Delhi High Court Orders Removal Of YouTuber Bhuvan Bam's Unauthorised Images, But Declines Finding Of 'Personality Rights' At Outset

Nupur Thapliyal

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