Delhi High Court Orders Takedown of Pornographic Content, AI Deepfakes Using Actor Naga Chaitanya's Persona

The Delhi High Court has directed multiple pornographic websites, Google LLC, IndiaMart and a merchandise seller to take down specified content and listings using Telugu actor Akkineni Naga Chaitanya's name, image and likeness.

The court passed the directions after finding a prima facie case for granting interim protection in a personality rights suit filed by the actor. The defendants concerned have been directed to comply with the order within 24 hours of receiving it.

Justice Jyoti Singh passed the order on May 29, 2026, on a suit filed by the actor against pornographic websites, an intermediary service provider, IndiaMart, a merchandise seller, Google LLC and John Doe defendants allegedly engaged in similar activities.

"Plaintiff is entitled to protection against dissemination of pornographic content as well as AI-generated images portraying him in an inappropriate scenario. Such a distasteful content is harming and damaging the reputation of the Plaintiff and may mislead the public into believing what is depicted may be true. Plaintiff's right to restrain third parties from infringing and passing off also needs to be preserved.", the court observed.

The actor claimed that several pornographic websites were using his name as a category, tag and trending label in connection with pornographic content. He also alleged that Google LLC hosted videos and channels published by identified and unidentified users using his name, image and likeness in defamatory, AI-generated and other unauthorised content.

IndiaMart and a seller operating through an online storefront were alleged to be displaying and selling merchandise bearing the actor's name, image and photographs without authorisation. According to the plaint, the listings created an impression of endorsement or affiliation with the actor.

The court held that the plaintiff had made out a prima facie case for grant of an ex parte ad interim injunction. It further observed that the balance of convenience lay in his favour and that he was likely to suffer irreparable harm if the relief was not granted.

With respect to the merchandise listings, the Court observed that the actor had the right to seek restraint against the sale of merchandise that violated his personality rights.

"Plaintiff has the right to seek restraint against Defendants No. 6, 7 and 11 from selling merchandise in a manner that violates his personality rights.", it noted. 

The court restrained three defendants from using or exploiting the actor's name, image, voice, likeness or any other attribute of his persona without authorisation. The restraint applies to use through technologies including artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence, machine learning, deepfakes, AI chatbots, and face morphing.

The court also directed IndiaMart and the merchandise seller to take down specified product listing URLs. Defendants 1 to 4 were directed to remove specified URLs on their websites. Google LLC was directed to take down eleven YouTube URLs identified in the order.

The matter is listed before the court on September 30, 2026.