Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty Kundra has approached the Bombay High Court to safeguard her personality rights, citing unauthorised and commercial misuse of her photographs, likeness, and manipulated visuals on multiple digital platforms. The petition, filed through advocate Sana Raees Khan, highlights the growing concern of celebrities over the exploitation of their identity without consent.
According to reports, the lawsuit names 27 identified businesses and websites accused of unlawfully using Shetty’s images to promote products and drive online traffic. In addition, the petition includes numerous anonymous parties under the “John Doe” category, thereby extending the case to hundreds of unidentified perpetrators. The actor claims that doctored photographs and manipulated recordings have been circulated widely, causing reputational harm and infringing upon her dignity.
Shetty’s counsel argued that the actor has built her reputation over decades of work in the Indian film industry and through international recognition, notably winning the reality show Big Brother in 2007. The petition asserts that no entity has the right to appropriate her name, image, or likeness for commercial gain without explicit permission. Advocate Khan emphasized that the unauthorised exploitation of Shetty’s identity amounts to an assault on her hard-earned reputation and professional standing.
The plea seeks judicial intervention to restrain the misuse of her images and videos, and to establish stronger safeguards for her personality rights. The actor has requested the court to issue orders preventing further dissemination of altered visuals and to hold accountable those who have already engaged in such practices.
This move places Shilpa Shetty among a growing list of Indian celebrities who have turned to the judiciary to protect their identity in the digital age. The case underscores the increasing relevance of personality rights in India, where public figures face risks of reputational damage and financial exploitation due to unauthorised online content.
The matter is expected to be heard soon, with the Bombay High Court likely to examine the scope of personality rights and the responsibilities of online platforms in curbing misuse.
