Preity Zinta wins interim relief from Bombay High Court

Bollywood actor Preity Zinta has been granted interim relief by the Bombay High Court in a case concerning the alleged unauthorised use of her identity across digital platforms. The decision adds her name to a growing list of Indian celebrities seeking legal protection against the misuse of their likeness, particularly in the age of artificial intelligence and online impersonation.

According to reports, the High Court heard the matter on Wednesday and acknowledged that the unauthorised use of a person’s image, voice or other identifiable features can directly affect their fundamental rights. The court subsequently granted interim protection in Zinta’s favour while the case continues.

During the proceedings, the court also highlighted the increasing concerns surrounding the creation and circulation of unlawful digital content. It stressed that individuals, content creators and online platforms must fulfil their responsibilities under India’s Information Technology (IT) Rules by exercising appropriate due diligence to prevent the spread of harmful or infringing material.

Representing the actor, her legal team argued that AI-generated deepfakes, digitally manipulated photographs and computer-generated visuals had been created and circulated without her consent. According to the petition, these materials violated her privacy as well as her personality and publicity rights by falsely presenting or exploiting her identity online.

The lawsuit seeks legal action not only against individuals who have been identified but also against unknown persons, websites and online entities allegedly involved in producing or distributing unauthorised content featuring the actor. Zinta’s lawyers maintained that such material could mislead the public while damaging her personal and professional reputation.

In her petition, Zinta requested legal protection for several elements associated with her public identity. These include her name, nickname, photographs, facial appearance, voice, signature smile and her distinctive dimples, which have become one of her most recognisable features over the course of her acting career.

The actor also informed the court that AI-powered content and chatbot-style interactions were impersonating her online, creating the false impression that users were communicating directly with her. She further alleged that multiple internet domain names had been registered using her name without her permission, raising concerns about identity misuse and potential commercial exploitation.

While granting interim relief, the Bombay High Court allowed Zinta to approach online intermediaries and social media platforms, including Google, Meta and X, requesting the removal of content that allegedly infringes upon her rights. The court further stated that if the platforms fail to take appropriate action after being notified, she may return to the court to seek additional legal directions.

The case reflects a broader trend within India’s entertainment industry, where celebrities are increasingly turning to the courts to safeguard their identities from unauthorised commercial use and AI-driven impersonation. Rapid advances in artificial intelligence have made it easier to generate convincing images, videos and voices, prompting concerns over privacy, misinformation and misuse.

With this ruling, Preity Zinta joins several prominent Bollywood personalities who have sought judicial protection for their personality and publicity rights. Among them are Amitabh Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Jackie Shroff and filmmaker Karan Johar, all of whom have pursued legal remedies against the unauthorised digital or commercial exploitation of their identities.