Historic Verdict by Delhi High Court: Protection of Sadhguru Personality Rights, Crackdown on AI Misuses
In a landmark and stringent judgement, the Delhi High Court has ruled in favour of protecting the personality rights of spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. The court issued strict orders against websites, YouTube channels, and social media accounts that were misusing artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology to exploit Sadhguru’s name, image, voice, and identity without authorisation. This verdict not only safeguards Sadhguru personality rights but also sets a precedent to combat the misuse of technology in the digital age and prevent the public from being misled.
What Is the Case About?
Sadhguru personality rights refer to his unique identity, including his name, voice, face, signature, and speaking style. As a globally renowned spiritual leader, author, and Padma Vibhushan awardee, Sadhguru has increasingly become a target for online misuse. Isha Foundation, a non-profit organisation established by him, filed a petition in the Delhi High Court highlighting that unauthorised entities were creating fake videos, audios, and images using AI and deepfake technologies. These were being used to promote fraudulent investment schemes, sell counterfeit books, and gain followers on social media.
For instance, a fake investment platform called ‘Trendastic Prism’ produced AI-generated videos and articles falsely claiming that Sadhguru had revealed “the secret to wealth creation.” Similarly, a book titled ‘Garbha Yatra’ featured his image without permission. Such instances not only violated Sadhguru personality rights, but also attempted to deceive the public.
Delhi High Court’s Firm Stance
The single bench of the Delhi High Court, presided over by Justice Sourabh Banerjee, took the matter seriously. The court recognised that Sadhguru personality rights are an essential aspect of his identity, and their misuse not only damages his reputation but also confuses and misleads the public. Terming the misuse of digital technology as a “threat spreading like a digital pandemic,” the court issued the following directives:
- Immediate Takedown of Fake Content: All YouTube channels, social media accounts, and websites were ordered to remove AI-generated content violating Sadhguru’s personality rights.
- Suspension of Offending Platforms: Channels and accounts spreading such content were to be shut down.
- Disclosure of Information: Social media companies were directed to provide subscriber and admin details of the offending accounts to the court.
- Government Action: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) were instructed to issue takedown notices and initiate action against such websites and accounts.
- Dynamic+ Injunction: The court implemented a novel legal measure known as Dynamic+ Injunction, aimed at preventing repeat offenders from resurfacing under new names or formats.
The next hearing in this matter is scheduled for 14 October 2025. The court warned that failure to curb such activities could lead to a flood of misinformation in the digital realm.
Previous Legal Victory
This is not the first time the Delhi High Court has ruled in favour of Sadhguru personality rights. In March 2025, the court had issued an order against YouTuber Shyam Meera Singh, who had uploaded a video titled: “Sadhguru Exposed: What’s Happening Inside Jaggi Vasudev’s Ashram?” The video contained unsubstantiated and defamatory allegations against Isha Foundation. The court found the content to be defamatory and ordered its removal, marking another strong stance against misinformation on digital platforms.
Statement from Isha Foundation
Isha Foundation welcomed the verdict. In a statement on platform X (formerly Twitter), the foundation said, “This judgment is a significant step in protecting Sadhguru personality rights. It not only safeguards the reputation of our founder but also protects the public from fraud and misinformation.” The foundation further emphasised that legal intervention is essential to curb the misuse of AI and deepfake tools, and they remain committed to getting such content removed.
Why Is This Historic?
This judgement is pivotal for several reasons and sets a new legal benchmark in the digital age. Here are the key aspects:
- Strict Action Against AI and Deepfake: This is the first time an Indian court has taken such strict action against the misuse of AI and deepfake technology in the context of personality rights.
- Protection of Public Figures: The judgement offers a strong legal foundation for safeguarding the identity and reputation of spiritual leaders, celebrities, and other public figures.
- Accountability for Social Media Platforms: The court made it clear that social media platforms must take responsibility for monitoring and removing fake content.
- Innovation Through Dynamic+ Injunction: This legal tool is effective against repeat offenders who continuously reappear in new avatars.
- Public Protection: The ruling helps protect people from fraudulent investment schemes and scams, especially those carried out online.
The Threat of AI and Deepfake in the Digital Age
In today’s world, AI and deepfake technology have made it easy to disseminate information, but they also pose serious threats. Deepfake videos can appear so realistic that people often believe them to be genuine. In the case of Sadhguru’s personality rights, AI was used to mimic his voice and image in fake videos promoting investment schemes. This not only damages his credibility but also misleads his followers.
Such technological misuse can lead to personal, social, and financial harm. The Delhi High Court’s decision is a crucial step towards curbing these threats.
Legal Framework for Personality Rights in India
In India, personality rights are an emerging legal area. These rights protect a person’s identity—including their name, face, voice, or other distinctive traits. Sadhguru’s personality rights are recognised under the Copyright Act, Trademark Act, and Common Law. This verdict reinforces that a person’s identity is part of their intellectual property, and any unauthorised use is a legal offence.
Implications for the Future
This judgement is a milestone in protecting personality rights and intellectual property in the digital era. Its key future implications include:
- Accountability for Social Media: The verdict compels social media companies to monitor and remove fake content.
- AI Regulation: It will prompt the government and regulatory bodies to draft policies to control AI and deepfake usage.
- Legal Awareness: It will educate people about their personality rights and encourage them to take legal action if needed.
- Digital Ethics: The ruling promotes ethical behaviour and responsibility in the digital space.
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