Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has secured interim personality rights protection from the Delhi High Court, which has restrained the unauthorised use of her name, image, voice and other personal attributes. The court has directed Meta Platforms to remove identified infringing content within 72 hours of being served a copy of the order and asked the relevant authorities to initiate steps to block specified websites, as per ANI. The protection covers AI-generated deepfakes, manipulated videos, fabricated speeches, false quotes, impersonation and other unauthorised uses of her identity.
Delhi High Court grants interim protection to Kangana Ranaut’s personality rights
According to Live Law, Justice Vikas Mahajan passed the interim order on October 8, 2026, in a suit filed by Ranaut seeking protection of her personality and publicity rights. The actor alleged that social media platforms and websites were circulating fabricated statements, manipulated audio-visual material, morphed images and AI-generated content falsely depicting her.The court directed Meta Platforms Inc. to remove and permanently take down the allegedly infringing content identified by Ranaut within 72 hours of being served a copy of the order. It also directed the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to issue the necessary directions to internet and telecom service providers to block access to the identified infringing websites within the same period.The directions are interim measures and will remain in force until the next date of hearing.According to the court proceedings reported by Live Law, the order extends beyond the unauthorised use of photographs or videos. It also covers AI-generated content, synthetic media, manipulated audio recordings, fabricated speeches, false endorsements and impersonation material that depicts or purports to depict Ranaut.
Court says AI-generated deepfakes and fabricated speeches can mislead viewers
After examining the plaint and accompanying documents, the court observed that Ranaut’s public stature gave her proprietary rights over her personality and associated attributes, including the right to protect them from unauthorised use and commercial exploitation.The court specifically extended the protection to AI-generated and morphed material, including sexually explicit deepfakes. It noted that certain content identified in the documents appeared, at first glance, to be obscene, sexually vulgar or pornographic material allegedly generated through digital manipulation and depicting Ranaut without her permission. The court also referred to a fact-check report submitted in connection with an image that the actor claimed was fabricated.While granting interim relief, Justice Mahajan observed, “The apprehension of detriment and damage to the image and personality of the plaintiff, prima facie, appears to be real and present.”The court also highlighted the risks posed by manipulated audio-visual material and AI-generated content that falsely portrays a person as making statements, expressing opinions or participating in activities that never occurred.It observed that such content could mislead ordinary viewers into believing that the material was genuine. The concern, the court noted, becomes more serious when a person’s image and current designation are used alongside fabricated quotes or statements.The court said the material placed on record made out a prima facie strong case in Ranaut’s favour. It also held that the balance of convenience favoured the actor and that the potential damage to her image and personality might not be adequately compensated through monetary damages.
Delhi HC restrains unauthorised use of Kangana Ranaut’s name, image and voice
Ranaut’s counsel, senior advocate Saket Sikri, argued that the circulation of the alleged content infringed her personality rights, publicity rights, right to identity and right to dignity, while potentially damaging her reputation.The suit stated that Ranaut has worked in the entertainment industry for more than two decades and is currently a Member of Parliament representing the Mandi constituency in Himachal Pradesh. Her name, image, likeness and voice, the plaint argued, are associated with substantial public recognition and commercial goodwill.The court restrained the defendants, including unidentified persons referred to as John Does and those acting on their behalf, from creating, publishing, reproducing, disseminating, hosting, transmitting or otherwise exploiting Ranaut’s personality attributes without her authorisation.As detailed in Live Law’s report, the restrictions also cover the creation and circulation of AI-generated content, deepfakes, synthetic media, manipulated videos and audio recordings, fabricated speeches, false endorsements and impersonation content depicting or purporting to depict the actor.The order further restrains the defendants from creating or operating accounts, pages, profiles, channels, websites or other digital assets that falsely suggest an association, affiliation, endorsement or authorisation by Ranaut.The court found that the material listed in Annexure A to the order supported her request for interim protection. It held that the apprehended injury to her image and personality appeared real and immediate, and that financial compensation alone might not be sufficient to address the harm.The order does not amount to a final ruling on the suit. The directions are interim and remain in force until the next hearing.
Kangana Ranaut’s current work slate
On the work front, Ranaut’s recent film credits include ‘Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata’, directed by Manoj Tapadia and released in June 2026. Her announced projects include ‘Manikarnika Returns: The Legend of Didda’ and ‘Queen Forever’, which has been listed for 2027.Disclaimer: The information in this report is based on a legal hearing as reported by a third-party source. The details provided represent allegations made by the parties involved and are not proven facts. The case is ongoing, and a final verdict has not been reached.
