Google’s Gmail Services Do Not Constitute a Public Function, Janta Live’s Plea Dismissed: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court has granted interim protection to actor Vijay Sai Deverakonda against the alleged unauthorised use of his name, image, voice and other personality attributes, directing online platforms and government authorities to act against identified infringing content, including AI-generated deepfakes and impersonation accounts.

In an order dated October 8, 2026, Justice Vikas Mahajan held that the actor had made out a strong prima facie case for protection of his personality rights. The directions will remain in force until the next hearing.

Personality rights and online misuse

The suit, filed by Deverakonda, alleges that various websites, social media accounts and online sellers were exploiting his identity without permission. According to the plaint, the alleged misuse includes merchandise bearing his name and image, unauthorised wallpapers and mobile applications, fake profiles and content falsely suggesting his endorsement of products.

The actor also raised concerns about AI-generated and morphed videos, including content allegedly depicting him in obscene, vulgar or derogatory situations. The court noted that such material could damage his reputation, privacy and commercial goodwill.

The order covers his name, initials “VD”, voice recordings, signatures, fashion style, photographs, movie stills and other attributes associated with his identity. It also addresses the alleged misuse of artificial intelligence, deepfakes and face-morphing technology.

Platforms directed to remove content

The court directed Meta, Google and X, identified as defendants in the suit, to remove or disable access to the specific content listed in an annexure to the order. This includes identified videos, posts, accounts and channels allegedly misusing the actor’s persona.

Online marketplaces named in the order must take down specified URLs within 72 hours of receiving a copy of the order from the plaintiff. Relevant domain name registrars have also been directed to lock and suspend identified domains within the same period.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Department of Telecommunications have been directed to issue necessary instructions to internet and telecom service providers to block access to the listed infringing websites. Compliance affidavits must be filed within the prescribed two-week period by the parties specified in the order.

Court finds a strong prima facie case

The court observed that Deverakonda’s public standing and commercial reputation gave him a protectable interest in his personality attributes. It said the risk of damage appeared real and that monetary compensation might not adequately address the potential harm.

The order states that the actor’s stature “inherently grants him proprietary rights over his personality and associated attributes”.

However, the court did not grant interim protection against every use of the colloquial name “Rowdy”. It said the claim that the term had acquired a distinctive secondary meaning exclusively associated with the actor required supporting material. The use of AI-generated or morphed images of him alongside the term would, however, fall within the scope of the personality-rights protection granted.

Next hearing in February 2027

The court issued summons to the defendants and directed them to file written statements within 30 days of receiving them. The matter is scheduled to be listed before the Joint Registrar on December 3, 2026, for procedural steps, and before the court on February 2, 2027.

Case Details

Case Title: Vijay Sai Deverakonda vs Ashokkumar Johndoe & Ors.

Case Number: CS(COMM) 1098/2026

Judge or Bench: Justice Vikas Mahajan

Decision Date: October 8, 2026