Introduction:
Cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar has approached the Delhi High Court seeking legal protection against the misuse of his name and image on various social media and e-commerce platforms. The petition alleges unauthorized commercial use of his personality rights, leading the court to issue key directives to social media intermediaries.
Court Directs Social Media Platforms
Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, presiding over the case, directed that Gavaskar’s petition be treated as a formal complaint under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The court ordered social media companies to decide on the complaint within a week. Gavaskar’s counsel was instructed to provide specific URL links of the offending content to the platforms within 48 hours.
Following a Legal Trend for Personality Rights
The court noted that individuals should first utilize the grievance redressal mechanisms available under IT rules before seeking judicial intervention. Gavaskar joins a growing list of Indian celebrities, including actors Salman Khan, Junior NTR, Nagarjuna, and spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who have sought similar court orders to protect their personality and publicity rights from online misuse.
FAQs:
1. What did Sunil Gavaskar petition the Delhi High Court for?
Sunil Gavaskar filed a petition to stop the unauthorized misuse of his name, photograph, and likeness on social media and e-commerce platforms.
2. Which law was cited in Gavaskar’s case?
The case is being processed under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
3. Have other celebrities taken similar action?
Yes, several celebrities like Salman Khan, Nagarjuna, and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar have previously approached courts for protection of their personality rights.
Conclusion: Misuse of his name and image
The Delhi High Court’s intervention in Sunil Gavaskar’s case against misuse of his name and image highlights the increasing legal challenges public figures face in the digital age and sets a procedural precedent for handling such grievances.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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