New Delhi, June 2, 2025
The Delhi High Court has issued a significant ruling in favor of spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, restraining the unauthorized use of his name, image, and voice by artificial intelligence technologies. The Court’s decision comes amid increasing concerns over the use of AI-generated deepfakes and impersonation of public figures.
The order, passed by Justice Saurabh Banerjee, acknowledged that such misuse violates the right to publicity and privacy, and can mislead the public by creating false associations with products or ideologies.
“The integrity of one’s digital identity must be safeguarded, especially when technology can now so easily fabricate reality,” the Court noted in its oral observations.
Dynamic Injunction Issued Against AI-Based Misrepresentation
The High Court issued a “dynamic injunction” — a legal mechanism that extends protection even against unknown future violators. The order restrains all platforms and individuals from using Sadhguru’s persona for commercial or misleading purposes through AI-generated content.
The petitioners cited multiple instances where Sadhguru’s likeness and speech were artificially recreated in videos circulating online, falsely depicting him endorsing products and making fabricated statements.
Compliance Directives to Authorities and Platforms
The Court also directed:
• Social media platforms including YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) to identify and remove such content promptly.
• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to assist in enforcement and ensure takedown protocols are followed.
• Platforms to furnish details of those responsible for uploading the infringing content.
This case is among the first in India to address the legal implications of AI misuse under the umbrella of personality rights. The ruling reinforces judicial recognition of the right to control one’s digital identity, especially for public figures.
Legal experts have welcomed the order, stating it provides timely clarity in the absence of a dedicated AI regulation regime in India.
