Suniel Shetty, often called “Anna” by fans, is usually seen lighting up the screen. But lately, he’s been battling something off-screen. He’s taking a stand to protect his image.
The actor recently went to the Bombay High Court. He’s upset about his photos showing up everywhere online. Social media and websites are using his face without asking. These companies are making money from his image. Shetty says this damages his good name.
Imagine seeing your face selling things you know nothing about. That’s what happened to Suniel. Some real estate firms and even online betting sites used his pictures. They put his photos in their ads. His lawyer, Birendra Saraf, told the court this is just wrong. It’s a clear violation of his personality rights.
Justice Arif Doctor heard the case. The court listened to both sides. Now, they are thinking about their decision. Shetty wants quick action. He asked the court to order all those sites to take down his photos. He also wants them banned from using his image ever again without permission.
It’s not just his own image at stake. The actor’s family has also been affected. Some sites even spread fake pictures of his grandson. This really impacts his private life. Shetty made it clear: he only works with brands he officially signs with. This unauthorized use harms his career and how people see him.
This kind of problem isn’t new for famous people. Many big names have faced it before. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan, Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor, and Anushka Sharma have all spoken up. They’ve also fought against others misusing their names or pictures.
What are Personality Rights?
So, what are personality rights? They are like a legal shield for you. They stop anyone from using your face, name, voice. Even your signature is protected without your okay. Think of it as protecting your unique identity. These rights make sure no one profits from your fame without permission.
Now, Indian law doesn’t have one specific rule called “Personality Rights.” But courts still protect them. They connect these rights to privacy and defamation laws. Two key laws help:
- The Copyright Act of 1957 gives artists special rights over their work. It stops others from using their performances without permission.
- The Trademark Act of 1999 lets people register their name, signature, or even a catchy phrase. If someone uses it to sell products, the owner can legally stop them.
In short, personality rights are super important. They keep a person’s image and fame safe from being used without permission.