Overview
- In an ad-interim order dated February 16 and released February 21, the court restrained websites, social platforms, AI-linked entities and unknown persons from using Sinha’s name, image, voice, mannerisms and signature phrase without consent.
- Justice Sharmila Deshmukh held that the expression “Khamosh” is exclusively associated with Sinha’s persona and deserves protection as part of his personality rights.
- Platforms were directed to immediately remove infringing material and were barred from future unauthorised uploads pending further orders.
- The court recorded prima facie evidence of infringement through fake profiles, morphed images, pornographic forgeries and AI-generated videos, noting the growing risk of digital forgeries.
- Filed as a John Doe commercial suit through counsel Hiren Kamod, the case lists big platforms among respondents and returns for hearing on March 30, with counsel clarifying that non-commercial mimicry or parody is not targeted by the injunction.