Anil Kapoor’s personality traits cannot be used inappropriately, according to the Delhi High Court

On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court prohibited using Anil Kapoor’s name, appearance, voice, and other character traits—including the catchphrase “jhakaas”—for financial advantage.

Ex-parte interim orders were issued by Justice Prathiba M. Singh against many websites and platforms in response to a case filed by the actor who claimed that his fame and personality rights had been improperly exploited for financial advantage.

Speaking on behalf of Kapoor, attorney Pravin Anand said that several websites and platforms have been abusing the plaintiff’s personality rights in a number of ways.

Kapoor’s legal team cited the illegal sale of goods, the collecting of fees by exploiting his image as a motivational speaker, the morphing of his image in a negative way, the sale of images with fake signatures, and the use of the term “jhakaas” among other things.

The case aimed to defend Kapoor’s personality rights, including those relating to his name, voice, appearance, likeness, speaking style, and gesticulations, among other things.

Without a doubt, free speech is allowed, but Justice Singh said that when it “crosses the line” and impairs or jeopardizes the rights of an individual’s personality, it would be unlawful.

It is not acceptable to use the plaintiff’s name, voice, conversation, or picture in an unauthorized way for profit. Court cannot remain silent about such personality abuse, Justice Singh ruled.

The plaintiff Anil Kapoor’s name, likeness, voice, or any other aspects of his personality may not be used in any way by defendants 1 to 16 for financial benefit or any other purpose, the court said.

It also prevented other unidentified individuals from spreading the harmful links. The problematic platforms must be blocked, the court ordered the relevant authorities.

The court ruled that popularity had drawbacks for an individual and that “this case demonstrates that reputation and fame can transcend into damage.”

Such abuse might harm a celebrity’s ability to get endorsements, it said.