Delhi HC Orders Takedown of Varun Dhawan Deepfakes and Unauthorized Use

The Delhi High Court has granted interim relief to actor Varun Dhawan against unauthorized use of his likeness, ordering the removal of AI-generated deepfakes, fake endorsements, and unauthorized merchandise. The ruling, issued on May 29, 2026, by Justice Jyoti Singh, found that Dhawan established a prima facie case for immediate relief. The court has restrained several websites, social media platforms, and e-commerce sites from exploiting Dhawan's persona through technologies such as deepfakes and generative AI. This order reflects a growing judicial response to the misuse of personality rights in the context of synthetic media. The ruling emphasizes the need for content moderation and quick takedown processes for manipulated media. Legal experts view this as part of a broader trend of courts addressing AI-related impersonation and deepfake issues. The case highlights the intersection of technology and legal frameworks regarding publicity rights.

Key Points: • Delhi High Court ordered the takedown of unauthorized deepfake content involving Varun Dhawan. • The ruling addresses the misuse of personality rights through AI technologies like deepfakes. • This case reflects a growing trend in legal responses to synthetic media exploitation.