In a significant move for celebrity rights in the digital era, renowned Telugu actor Jr NTR has publicly expressed his gratitude towards the Delhi High Court. The court recently issued a protective order safeguarding his personality rights from unauthorized commercial exploitation.
A Public Thank You from the Superstar
On the evening of Monday, December 29, the 'RRR' fame actor took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to share a message of appreciation. He directly thanked the judiciary for its intervention in a matter concerning the misuse of his identity online.
In his post, Jr NTR wrote, "I thank the Hon’ble Delhi High Court for granting a protective order that safeguards my personality rights in today’s digital age." He extended his sincere appreciation to his legal team, specifically naming Supreme Court Advocates Dr. Balajanaki Srinivasan and Dr. Alka Dakar, along with Mr. Rajender and the team from Rights & Marks, for their dedicated support. He concluded his message by stating, "Deeply thankful for your steadfast support."
Why Did Jr NTR Approach the Court?
The legal action was initiated earlier this month. On December 9, Jr NTR filed a petition with the Delhi High Court, highlighting a growing concern. His complaint stated that numerous e-commerce websites and social media platforms were unlawfully using his name, photographs, and other personal attributes for commercial gain without his consent.
According to reports, the misuse was not limited to just his image. The petition detailed that his voice, signature style, and other distinctive traits were also being exploited to promote products and services. The actor argued that such unauthorized use not only infringed upon his legal rights but also had the potential to mislead his fans and damage his carefully built reputation and identity.
Taking a firm stance against this digital impersonation and exploitation, the actor sought legal recourse to protect his personality rights. In a swift response, the Delhi High Court has directed the implicated platforms to file their responses within three days, marking a crucial step forward in the proceedings.
Implications and the Road Ahead
This case underscores the increasing challenges public figures face in the interconnected digital world. Personality rights, which include the right to control the commercial use of one's name, image, likeness, and other identifiable features, are becoming a critical legal battleground.
Jr NTR's proactive step and the court's subsequent order set a notable precedent for other celebrities in India who might be facing similar issues. It reinforces the principle that an individual's identity has inherent value and cannot be used for profit without permission, even in the vast realm of the internet.
On the professional front, Jr NTR, who recently made his Bollywood debut in 'War 2' alongside Hrithik Roshan, continues to be a major force in Indian cinema. This legal victory off-screen highlights his commitment to protecting his brand and artistic identity with the same determination he brings to his roles.
