October 10 , 2025 : Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty has approached the Bombay High Court seeking legal protection for his personality rights, emphasizing the need to safeguard his image and reputation from unauthorized use in media and commercial platforms. The actor’s legal move underscores growing concerns among celebrities about the misuse of their identity in advertisements, social media, and other public domains.
In his petition, Shetty stated that his name, photograph, and likeness are being used without consent for promotional purposes, misleading endorsements, and unauthorized commercial ventures. The actor argued that such practices not only compromise his public image but also violate legal provisions protecting personal rights and intellectual property.
Suniel Shetty, a veteran actor known for films like Hera Pheri, Mohra, and Main Hoon Na, highlighted that the unpermitted usage of his likeness can mislead fans and consumers, potentially impacting his professional reputation. His counsel emphasized that the actor has the right to control the commercial exploitation of his identity, a principle increasingly recognized in Indian courts.
The case brings attention to the broader legal concept of personality rights, which protect individuals against unauthorized use of their name, voice, image, or signature. Courts in India have steadily recognized these rights, especially for public figures whose image holds significant commercial and social value.
Legal experts note that celebrities like Shetty are increasingly vigilant in protecting their rights due to the rapid growth of digital media and social platforms, where unauthorized content spreads quickly. “The Bombay High Court has previously acknowledged that using a celebrity’s image without permission can constitute infringement and harm reputation,” said advocate Rakesh Singh, a media law expert.
Suniel Shetty’s petition also underscores the financial implications of misusing personality rights. Unauthorized endorsements can lead to loss of potential earnings, as brands may capitalize on the celebrity’s image without formal agreements. The legal action seeks to prevent such exploitation and ensure that proper consent is obtained before any commercial use.
The Bombay High Court is expected to review the petition carefully, taking into account precedents where courts have granted interim relief and injunctions to protect celebrities from misuse of their image. In some earlier cases, courts have ordered immediate cessation of unauthorized campaigns and imposed penalties on infringing parties.
Shetty’s move has been welcomed by media and legal observers as a step toward protecting creative professionals in the digital age. With celebrity endorsements being a significant part of marketing strategies, the ruling could set an important precedent for other public figures seeking legal protection over their image.
Industry insiders point out that while personality rights have always been recognized implicitly under defamation and intellectual property laws, explicit legal protections are gaining momentum as more actors and sports personalities face misuse of their image. This legal trend aligns with global practices where public figures’ likenesses are carefully regulated, with strict penalties for infringement.
The actor’s legal counsel also highlighted the personal distress and professional challenges caused by unauthorized use. Misrepresentation, misleading promotions, and fake endorsements not only affect the celebrity’s reputation but can also harm fans who rely on authentic communication from the public figure.
In recent years, several high-profile Indian celebrities, including Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kareena Kapoor, have invoked the courts to safeguard their personality rights. These cases have contributed to increasing awareness about the importance of consent and ethical use of public figures’ identities.
Suniel Shetty’s petition seeks the court to issue protective orders preventing further misuse of his name and likeness and to mandate prior approval for any commercial or public use. Lawyers argue that such steps are necessary to maintain professional integrity and to ensure that celebrity endorsements remain genuine and legally compliant.
In conclusion, Suniel Shetty’s legal action in the Bombay High Court highlights the evolving recognition of personality rights in India. As the digital and media landscape grows, public figures are taking proactive steps to safeguard their image, reputation, and financial interests, emphasizing the importance of consent and ethical use of celebrity likeness.
Summary
Suniel Shetty moves Bombay High Court to protect his personality rights, seeking legal action against unauthorized use of his image, name, and likeness for commercial or promotional purposes.