Bombay High Court protects Ananya Panday against unauthorised AI deepfakes

The Bombay High Court has granted interim protection to actor Ananya Panday, ordering the removal of unauthorised AI-generated deepfakes, altered photographs, and commercial material misusing her identity.

Passing an ad-interim order on Thursday, 5 November 2026, Justice Madhav Jamdar held that the material in question prima facie violates Panday's right to privacy, publicity rights, moral rights, and her right to live with dignity. The court directed digital intermediaries and telecom operators to remove the objectionable online content.

Panday's petition sought legal safeguards over her name, voice, image, likeness, mannerisms, dialogue delivery, and performance style. Her court filing detailed widespread digital exploitation, including sexually explicit deepfakes, AI chatbots mimicking her persona, fake commercial endorsements, and unauthorised cosmetic surgery advertisements. The application emphasised that monetary compensation cannot repair the severe damage caused to her dignity and commercial goodwill by viral digital manipulation.

The suit also invoked performer's rights under Sections 38, 38A, and 38B of the Copyright Act, 1957. To counter untraceable online threats, Panday named unidentified 'John Doe' defendants and foreign entities, prompting directions for intermediaries to block mirror links and infringing web addresses.

How Indian courts are handling AI deepfake cases

The decision reinforces a growing body of judicial rulings in India tackling the misuse of generative AI technologies. Courts across the nation have consistently stepped in to protect personal rights against identity theft and digital impersonation.

In October 2026, the Delhi High Court provided partial interim protection to actor Kriti Sanon. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav directed digital platforms to block specific URLs featuring explicit deepfakes and impersonating chatbots, while clarifying that legitimate news reporting, criticism, satire, and fan-created material remain protected.

Panday joins several Indian actors who have approached the courts to protect their digital identity rights. The high court's intervention provides a firm legal remedy for public figures facing unauthorised digital manipulation.