Shruti Haasan Wins Big As Bombay HC Orders Takedown Of Objectionable Content

Shruti Haasan has secured major legal relief after the Bombay High Court directed social media platforms to remove objectionable content allegedly exploiting her identity, including AI-generated deepfakes, manipulated images and videos.

Justice Madhav Jamdar observed that Haasan had made a “very strong prima facie case” for protection of her personality and publicity rights. The court granted ad-interim relief in her commercial suit, in which she is seeking ₹15 crore in damages from entities and unidentified individuals.

Haasan alleged that her name, image, likeness and voice were being used without permission. Her case includes claims involving AI-generated deepfakes, manipulated photographs, sexually explicit content, memes, GIFs, AI voice simulations, chatbot personas and unauthorised merchandise.

The actress specifically alleged that her face had been morphed or superimposed onto sexually explicit and pornographic material, causing ridicule and disrepute. She also objected to online sellers allegedly using her identity to market merchandise without authorisation.

The suit names 18 defendants, including YouTube, Google, Instagram, Facebook, X and Pinterest, along with AI chatbot services, e-commerce platforms, merchandise sellers and other entities. Relevant government departments have also been included to facilitate implementation of the court’s directions.

The court has restrained unauthorised exploitation of Haasan’s name, voice, image and likeness, as well as her distinctive appearance, mannerisms, performances and signature. The directions also cover material falsely suggesting that products or services are endorsed by her.

Platforms have been directed to remove or disable access to identified infringing content. Certain defendants have also been directed to provide available subscriber and seller information that could help identify anonymous infringers.

The court noted that continued circulation could cause irreparable harm to Haasan’s goodwill and reputation, particularly because deepfake material can be copied and circulated indefinitely. It also considered her moral rights as a performer under the Copyright Act.

The order follows the Bombay High Court’s July 2026 decision in Preity Zinta’s personality-rights case, reflecting growing judicial scrutiny of celebrity identity misuse through AI and digital platforms.

The latest order is interim, not a final decision on Haasan’s ₹15 crore claim, but marks a significant development in the fight against AI deepfakes and unauthorised celebrity identity use.