The Delhi High Court ruled on October 9 that celebrities cannot use personality rights to block media coverage of wrongdoing. Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani emphasized that there is no confidentiality or privacy regarding wrongdoing, rejecting attempts by actor Janhvi Kapoor and others to restrict such coverage. The court is hearing multiple suits, including those by actors Vivek Oberoi and Aaradhya Bachchan, to clarify the scope of personality rights.
During the hearing, Justice Bhambhani questioned why fans should be kept unaware of a celebrity’s troubles, citing golfer Tiger Woods as an example. He noted that public figures must accept scrutiny and cannot prevent discussion of their misconduct. The judge highlighted a hypothetical case of a person involved in a Rs 5,000 crore bank fraud trying to block coverage to protect their image, stating that such attempts should not succeed. The court also noted that public figures require “a thicker skin” compared to ordinary individuals.
This ruling addresses ongoing legal debates about the balance between personality rights and freedom of expression in India. It challenges the misuse of personality rights by public figures to suppress negative coverage, reinforcing the principle that public interest and accountability outweigh image protection. The case is significant given the increasing number of celebrities seeking legal remedies to control their public narratives, and it sets a precedent for future disputes involving privacy and media rights.
The court will continue hearing arguments on October 12 at 3:30 pm, with counsel for Janhvi Kapoor scheduled to present further submissions. The decision is expected to provide clearer legal guidelines on personality rights and their limits in relation to public interest and media freedom.