In a significant relief to Tollywood actor and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, the Delhi High Court has passed an ad-interim injunction restraining several online entities, AI platforms, and websites from unauthorised commercial exploitation of his name, image, voice, and personal identity.

The interim order was issued by a single-judge bench of Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora on a petition filed by Pawan Kalyan, who alleged infringement of his personality and publicity rights. The court passed the ex-parte order, observing that Pawan Kalyan, with a public presence spanning over three decades in cinema and politics, enjoys substantial commercial brand value that warrants legal protection.

During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner informed the court that several entities were selling merchandise such as T-shirts, mugs, and posters bearing Pawan Kalyan’s photographs without authorisation. It was also submitted that AI tools were being used to replicate his voice and images, while fake social media pages were operating in his name, causing reputational and financial harm. The court noted that such unauthorised use could result in irreparable damage to the petitioner.

Acting on these submissions, the High Court directed major e-commerce platforms, including Flipkart, Amazon, and Meesho, to immediately take down listings of products that unlawfully use Pawan Kalyan’s name or likeness. The court further instructed these platforms to furnish the Know Your Customer (KYC) details of sellers involved in such sales to the petitioner.

In addition, the court ordered the removal of websites and online links misusing Pawan Kalyan’s identity within a week. While granting limited exemption to fan pages, the bench made it clear that such pages must prominently display disclaimers stating that they are unofficial fan accounts. Failure to do so would invite similar restraining action. The matter has been posted for further hearing on February 9.