HC puts Gautam Gambhir’s Rs.2.5 Crore Personality Rights suit on hold

The Delhi High Court deferred consideration of Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir’s plea seeking protection against AI-generated deepfake content, after pointing out defects in the pleadings and directing correction of the memo of parties. The move delays immediate judicial relief in a case raising serious concerns over misuse of public figures’ identities through manipulated digital content.

The case was triggered by Gambhir’s grievance that multiple deepfake videos and fabricated clips were circulating online, falsely attributing statements and actions to him, including claims about resignation and misconduct. Seeking damages of Rs.2.5 crore, Gambhir approached the Court against unknown entities and platforms, alleging misuse of his name, image, and likeness for misinformation and commercial gain.

His counsel argued that such content had real-world consequences, especially given his role as head coach of the national team, and pressed for urgent protection and takedown of such material from platforms like YouTube, X, Instagram, and Facebook.

However, the Court identified inconsistencies between the plaint and the memo of parties, observing that the defendants had not been properly described. Stressing procedural accuracy before granting substantive relief, the Court directed that “the plaintiff is directed to correct the memo of parties… in consonance with the body of the plaint.” Without examining the merits of the deepfake allegations at this stage, the Court listed the matter for further hearing after compliance.

Consequently, the case was deferred, with Gambhir required to rectify the defect before seeking interim protection.