The Delhi High Court on Thursday (December 11) instructed multiple social media intermediaries to treat actor Salman Khan’s suit—seeking protection of his personality rights—as a formal complaint under the IT Rules, and to take necessary action within three days.

Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora issued the direction while hearing Khan’s suit filed against several parties, including John Doe defendants. The court also stated it would pass an interim order against non-intermediary entities selling unauthorised merchandise using Khan’s image, likeness, voice, or other personal attributes without permission.

During the hearing, the judge referred to earlier orders passed in similar cases involving actors Ajay Devgn and Jr. NTR. The court reminded senior advocate Sandeep Sethi, appearing for Khan, that plaintiffs must first approach social media platforms directly before seeking judicial intervention. In the Jr. NTR case, the court had already required platforms to treat the suit as a complaint under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

Justice Arora indicated that Khan too must first approach the platforms, adding: “After one week, if they object, I will pass a composite order.” Sethi agreed but sought immediate relief against non-intermediaries who were allegedly exploiting the actor’s persona for commercial gain.

The bench then sought details of other defendants, including e-commerce platforms and sellers allegedly offering unauthorised merchandise featuring Khan’s likeness.

In its order, the court directed defendants 2, 3, 4, and 6 to treat the plaint as a complaint under the IT Rules and act within three days. If they had concerns about any link, they must inform the plaintiff. The court also noted a complaint regarding an account using the handle “Being in Touch,” allegedly infringing Khan’s registered trademark. Justice Arora directed Defendant No. 2 to consider the actor’s IP rights while taking further action.

For defendants who are not intermediaries, the court said it would issue a stay order restraining unauthorised commercial use of Khan’s persona.

Recently, similar orders have protected the personality rights of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, actors Nagarjuna, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, filmmaker Karan Johar, journalist Sudhir Chaudhary, and podcaster Raj Shamani.

Khan was represented by senior advocate Sandeep Sethi along with advocates Nizam Pasha, Parag Khandhar, Shreya Sethi, Chandrima Mitra, Tapan Radkar, Zara Dhanbhoora, Krishan Kumar, and Siddharth Kaushik.

Case Title: Salman Khan v. Ashok Kumar & Ors.
Case No.: CS(COMM) 1322/2025