Delhi High Court Shields Singer Jubin Nautiyal's Voice and Image from AI Deepfakes and Fake Merch

In a swift move against the growing menace of artificial intelligence, the Delhi High Court has granted singer Jubin Nautiyal an ex-parte ad-interim injunction , protecting his personality and publicity rights . Justice Tushar Rao Gedela restrained multiple AI platforms, e-commerce giants like Flipkart and Amazon, and unidentified " John Doe " entities from misusing Nautiyal's name, voice, singing style, image, and likeness for commercial gain. The order, passed on February 19, 2026 , in suit CS(COMM) 166/2026 ( Jubin Nautiyal v. Jammeable Limited & Ors. ), highlights the court's readiness to combat unauthorized AI-generated content amid a surge in celebrity IP disputes.

From Reality Shows to Bollywood Stardom: Nautiyal's Rise and the AI Threat

Jubin Nautiyal, a household name in Indian music, rose to fame through his classical training, live performances, and breakout appearances on shows like MTV's X-Factor in 2011. Hits like "Zindagi" from Bajrangi Bhaijaan , "Bandeyaa" from Jazbaa , and multiple IIFA Best Male Playback Singer awards (2022 and 2025) have cemented his reputation. With millions of followers on Instagram and Facebook, Nautiyal's persona—encompassing his unique vocal technique, mannerisms, image, and signature—carries immense commercial value, leveraged in endorsements and philanthropy.

The suit alleges that defendants, including AI platforms, used machine learning to clone his voice, create deepfakes, morph his face, and generate chatbots. E-commerce sites hosted merchandise like posters, stickers, calendars, and pendrives falsely bearing his likeness, suggesting endorsement. Specific infringements listed over 70 YouTube videos, Instagram reels, and product links peddling unauthorized AI content and goods.

Nautiyal impleaded government bodies—the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Department of Telecommunications (DoT) —for enforcement aid, seeking dynamic injunctions against ongoing violations.

Plaintiff's Cry: "My Voice is Being Stolen for Profit"

Nautiyal argued that his protectable attributes—name, voice, singing style, image, caricature, and signature—are exclusively his, built through years of acclaim. He detailed AI-driven harms: synthesized voices, face-morphing, profane overlays, and merchandise sales eroding his goodwill. Prima facie evidence included screenshots, URLs, and a DVD of his original songs. Urgent relief was sought under Order XXXIX Rules 1 & 2 CPC , emphasizing irreparable harm uncompensable by damages.

No arguments from defendants were heard, as the order is ex-parte . Counsel for some e-commerce defendants (D-5, D-9, D-15) appeared but the court prioritized urgency.

Court's Razor-Sharp Reasoning: Prima Facie Case Seals the Deal

Justice Gedela, after reviewing the plaint and documents, found a " prima facie strong case" . Citing Yamini Manohar v. T.K.D. Keerthi ((2024) 5 SCC 815), the court exempted pre-institution mediation due to urgent interim needs. It noted Nautiyal's "well-known, popular and well-accepted personality," tilting the balance of convenience in his favor.

The ruling underscores that personality rights extend to AI exploitation, prohibiting voice models, deepfakes, and metaverse uses. E-commerce platforms must takedown infringing Annexure A links (79+ URLs) and share uploader details.

Key Observations from the Bench

"The plaintiff has a prima facie strong case and having regard to his well-known, popular and well-accepted personality, the balance of convenience is tilted in favour of the plaintiff."

"In case, ex-parte ad-interim injunction and other directions, as sought, are not passed, the irreparable loss and injury which may occasion may not be compensated in monetary terms."

"The dent and damage to the image and personality of the plaintiff, prima facie , appears to be real and present."

A John Doe Shield in a Celebrity IP Wave

The order mandates takedowns by platforms like D-5, D-6, D-14, D-15; restrains manufacturing/sales by others; issues summons with 30-day written statement deadlines; and lists before the Joint Registrar on April 28, 2026 , and court on August 25, 2026 .

This joins a Delhi HC trend: protections for Sunil Gavaskar, Pawan Kalyan, Kajol, R. Madhavan, NTR Jr., Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sudhir Chaudhary (against AI videos), and Raj Shamani. Salman Khan's similar suit looms. It signals courts' proactive stance on AI's IP threats, potentially setting precedents for dynamic injunctions and intermediary liabilities, urging platforms to vigilantly police deepfakes and fakes.