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Delhi HC Orders Takedown of Fake AI Content Misusing Gautam Gambhir's Identity

The Delhi High Court has issued an interim injunction restraining the creation and circulation of unauthorized AI-generated content using Gautam Gambhir's identity. The court directed social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube, and e-commerce sites like Amazon and Flipkart, to remove such content and product listings within 36 hours. It observed that such misuse violates personality rights and causes reputational harm to the public figure. The order also mandates platforms to disclose details of the entities responsible for the infringing content.

Key Points: Delhi HC Bans Fake AI Content Using Gautam Gambhir's Persona

  • Restrains misuse of name/image/voice
  • Directs takedown within 36 hours
  • Targets deepfakes & AI-generated videos
  • Orders e-commerce platforms to delist products
2 min read

Delhi HC directs takedown of fake AI content using Gautam Gambhir's identity; bars misuse of persona

Delhi High Court directs platforms to remove AI-generated fake content misusing cricketer Gautam Gambhir's identity within 36 hours.

"Such acts violate personality rights and cause serious reputational harm. - Delhi High Court"

New Delhi, March 28

The Delhi High Court has issued strong directions to curb the misuse of former cricketer and current Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir's identity, restraining the use of his name, image, voice, or likeness in AI-generated and misleading online content, while directing platforms to remove such material within 36 hours.

The detailed order, now available on record, follows earlier proceedings where the Court had indicated that a reasoned order would be passed. The present order dated March 25, 2026 sets out the full directions and findings of the Court.

Justice Jyoti Singh, while hearing the plea, restrained multiple defendants from creating, publishing, or circulating any content using Gambhir's identity without authorization. This includes deepfakes, face-swapped visuals, AI-generated videos, and fabricated statements.

Appearing for Gambhir, advocates Jai Anant Dehadrai and Srutee Priyadarshini submitted that various social media accounts and online sellers were misusing his persona to spread false information and sell unauthorized products.

Accepting these submissions, the Court observed that such acts violate personality rights and cause serious reputational harm. It passed an interim injunction restraining the defendants from any such misuse.

The Court also directed e-commerce platforms Amazon and Flipkart to remove listings that allegedly exploit Gambhir's identity. Social media and tech platforms, including Meta (Instagram) and Google (YouTube), have been ordered to take down identified links within 36 hours of receiving the order.

Further, the platforms have been directed to disclose details of those responsible for the infringing content. This includes seller information from e-commerce websites and subscriber details along with IP logs from social media platforms.

The Court noted that Gambhir, given his stature as a public figure and current head coach of the Indian men's cricket team, enjoys significant goodwill, and misuse of his identity through fake digital content can mislead the public and damage his reputation.

The interim directions will continue to operate, and the matter is listed for further hearing. Gambhir is a former international cricketer, former MP, and philanthropist, who currently serves as the head coach of the Indian cricket team.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Good to see the court acting swiftly. Just last week I saw a video where his face was swapped, claiming he was endorsing some betting app. It looked so real! Common people can easily get fooled. The 36-hour takedown rule is crucial.
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Aman W
While I support protecting someone's image, I hope this doesn't become a tool to silence legitimate criticism or parody. The line between misuse and fair use needs to be clear. The order seems focused on commercial misuse and fraud, which is correct.
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Sarah B
The directive to disclose seller and IP details is the key. Until there's real accountability and consequences for the people creating this content, they'll just keep making new accounts. Platforms need to be more proactive, not just reactive.
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Karthik V
This is not just about a celebrity. My uncle was scammed by a fake video of a famous spiritual guru selling 'blessed' water. The same technology is used to target ordinary people. We need a strong law for this, not just case-by-case orders.
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Nisha Z
Gambhir sir has always stood for what's right. As the head coach, his reputation is linked to Team India's image. Fake statements or videos could create unnecessary controversy and distract from the team's focus. Fully support this legal protection.

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