Copyright news18
The City Civil Court of Hyderabad has issued an ad-interim injunction protecting veteran actor and philanthropist Konidela Chiranjeevi. The order, passed on September 26, 2025, comes amid increasing concerns over the misuse of public figures’ identities on social media, merchandise, and AI-driven platforms. It specifically safeguards Chiranjeevi’s name, image, voice, and likeness, ensuring that no individual or organisation can exploit them without proper authorisation. Chiranjeevi, a stalwart of the Indian film industry whose career spans several decades and who has been honoured with the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, had filed the plea citing widespread unpermitted use of his persona. The court recognised that such exploitation could inflict “severe and irreparable harm” on the actor’s reputation, dignity, and economic interests, reflecting the urgent need to protect celebrity rights in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The injunction restrains defendants numbered 1 to 33 and defendant 36, along with any other individuals or entities, from using Chiranjeevi’s name, stage titles, including Mega Star, Chiru, and Annayya, voice, image, or personality attributes for any form of commercial or personal gain. This protection extends across all media, including digital, print, and broadcast platforms. Highlighting Chiranjeevi’s stature in Indian cinema, the court emphasised that any misuse of his identity constitutes a serious infringement of intellectual property and personal rights. The judgment also highlighted the growing threat posed by AI-generated content and digital manipulation, signalling the judiciary’s readiness to enforce stronger protections for public figures. The court further warned that violations, including imitation, defamation, or unauthorized commercialization, would attract strict civil and criminal consequences. Television channels, OTT platforms, content creators, and media outlets were explicitly cautioned against using Chiranjeevi’s persona without written consent. Further proceedings in the case are scheduled for October 27, 2025, with notifications to all defendants underway. On October 11, 2025, Chiranjeevi personally met Hyderabad Police Commissioner Mr. Sajjanar and handed over a copy of the court order. During the meeting, he discussed initiating criminal proceedings and strengthening legal frameworks to prevent such violations. Mr. Sajjanar acknowledged that Chiranjeevi’s legal action “reinforce[s] the importance of protecting personality and publicity rights in India’s entertainment sector.”
