The Delhi High Court has directed actor Amitabh Bachchan to appear in person if a settlement reached with some defendants in his personality rights suit remains incomplete and he wishes to pursue his remaining claims. The court granted time until November 16, 2026, to formalise the settlement, but made clear that failure to finalise the agreement will trigger a mandatory personal appearance.

Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, presiding over the matter, recorded that an amicable settlement had been arrived at with “some of the defendants” during mediation. However, the formal agreement could not be signed due to “logistical issues on the part of the plaintiff,” as informed by Bachchan’s counsel. The court granted the actor’s request for additional time to complete the formalities and place the settlement agreement on record.

The order adds a significant condition: if the settlement does not materialise or remains incomplete, and Bachchan wishes to pursue the suit on any of his claims or issues, he “shall remain personally present on the next date of hearing.” This will enable the court to exercise its powers under Order X Rule 2 (oral examination) read with Order V Rule 3 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, and Section 168 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023. These provisions allow a judge to examine parties directly and order their personal attendance where necessary.

Conditional Personal Appearance

Justice Kaurav’s directive is carefully worded to be conditional. The court stated: “In the event of non-settlement or incomplete settlement, if the plaintiff wishes to pursue the suit on any of the claims or issues, the plaintiff shall remain personally present on the next date of hearing.” This means that if the settlement is signed and placed on record before the next hearing, the personal appearance requirement may not apply to those resolved claims. But for any unresolved claims—or if the entire settlement collapses—Bachchan will have to appear in court to be examined.

The requirement is not common in civil suits, especially for high-profile plaintiffs, but the court appears keen to move the case forward efficiently. Personal examination can help clarify the scope of remaining grievances and potentially narrow the issues left for trial.

Background of the Personality Rights Suit

Bachchan filed the suit in 2022 seeking a permanent injunction to protect his personality and publicity rights. He alleged that various individuals and entities were exploiting his name, image, voice, and celebrity status without authorisation for commercial gain. Specific allegations included the use of his persona in fake Kaun Banega Crorepati lottery scams and other online frauds, as well as the sale of merchandise such as T-shirts bearing his image.

On November 25, 2022, Justice Navin Chawla granted an ex parte ad interim injunction in Bachchan’s favour. The court observed that “it cannot seriously be disputed that the plaintiff is a well-known personality” and that “a prima facie case is made out and the balance of convenience also lies in his favour.” The injunction restrained the defendants from using Bachchan’s name, image, voice, or any other identifiable attribute without his consent.

At that hearing, senior advocate Harish Salve appeared for Bachchan, arguing that the unauthorised use was causing irreparable harm and could bring the actor into disrepute. The interim protection has remained in place while the suit proceeds.

Mediation and Settlement Efforts

Following the interim order, the court directed the parties to explore mediation. Those efforts have now yielded a settlement with some—but not all—defendants. The court’s October 9 order notes that a settlement was reached “qua some of the defendants” but could not be formally signed due to logistical issues on Bachchan’s side.

His counsel, advocate Dhruv Anand, along with advocates Dhananjay Khanna and Bhavya Verma, sought time to complete the formalities. The court granted the request and listed the matter for November 16, 2026—a notably distant date that suggests the court expects the settlement to be documented well before then.

What Happens Next

The outcome now hinges on whether the settlement agreement can be finalised and placed on record. If it is, the resolved claims against those defendants may be dismissed or adjusted accordingly. But if the settlement fails entirely or remains incomplete, Bachchan will have to appear in person to explain his claims and submit to oral examination by the court.

The case continues to attract attention as one of the most prominent personality rights litigations in India. The Delhi High Court’s insistence on direct party involvement underscores the gravity of the claims and the court’s desire to conclude the long-pending matter. The next hearing on November 16, 2026, will reveal whether the settlement holds or whether Amitabh Bachchan will be called to the witness box to pursue his remaining grievances.