Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has unveiled a plan to provide one lakh government jobs to the youth within the next six months. Since 2017
Politics

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has unveiled a plan to provide one lakh government jobs to the youth within the next six months. Since 2017, over 9.30 lakh positions have been filled in the state, he said. In a major announcement

The Supreme Court heard a plea from TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee regarding rebel MPs. He sought expedition of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's decision on
Politics

The Supreme Court heard a plea from TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee regarding rebel MPs. He sought expedition of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's decision on disqualification. The apex court declined to issue notice to the Speaker and secretary-general

The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought responses  from 20 rebel Trinamool Congress MPs on a plea by party leader Abhishek Banerjee challenging the delay by the
Politics

The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought responses from 20 rebel Trinamool Congress MPs on a plea by party leader Abhishek Banerjee challenging the delay by the Lok Sabha speaker in deciding the disqualification petitions he has filed against the legislators, Live Law reported

The Delhi High Court has warned that personality rights cannot be invoked so broadly as to stifle caricature, satire or parody, particularly when such
Politics

The Delhi High Court has warned that personality rights cannot be invoked so broadly as to stifle caricature, satire or parody, particularly when such expression does not involve commercial exploitation. The court observed while granting interim protection to Physics Wallah founder Alakh Pandey

Tamil Nadu's education minister proposed exempting teachers appointed before August 2010. This resolution aims to protect job security for over three lakh
Politics

Tamil Nadu's education minister proposed exempting teachers appointed before August 2010. This resolution aims to protect job security for over three lakh educators. Many teachers have served for fifteen to twenty years without any issues. The assembly urges the Union Government for a permanent

When parents and families of infants were fast asleep outside a government hospital in Maharashtra's Amravati, waiting for the children's recovery
Politics

When parents and families of infants were fast asleep outside a government hospital in Maharashtra's Amravati, waiting for the children's recovery, they never imagined the night would turn into horror. A huge fire ripped through the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the District Women's

Former minister P Chidambaram called the 'one nation, one election' plan unconstitutional. Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy also urged significant changes to the
Politics

Former minister P Chidambaram called the 'one nation, one election' plan unconstitutional. Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy also urged significant changes to the proposed framework. They argued curtailing legislature tenure violates the Constitution's basic structure

Congress accuses the government of aggressive privatization of India's space program. This agenda will limit the Indian Space Research Organisation's rocket
Politics

Congress accuses the government of aggressive privatization of India's space program. This agenda will limit the Indian Space Research Organisation's rocket development and manufacturing. The party questions why ISRO is being strangulated and emasculated by this policy

Delhi High Court cautions against use of personality rights to snuff out caricature

Posted By: Tarun Kumar Posted On: Aug 25, 2026Share Article
Delhi High Court cautions against use of personality rights to snuff out caricature
Delhi High Court. File | Photo Credit: The Hindu

Delhi High Court cautions against use of personality rights to snuff out caricature, parody

The Delhi High Court has warned that personality rights cannot be invoked so broadly as to stifle caricature, satire or parody, particularly when such expression does not involve commercial exploitation.

The court observed while granting interim protection to Physics Wallah founder Alakh Pandey against the unauthorised use of his name, image and other personality attributes for impersonation and monetisation.

Mr Pandey had alleged that various online platforms and users were commercially exploiting his identity through social media posts, sticker packs, videos, websites and other content. He also claimed that some of the material was vulgar and sexually explicit.

In an interim order passed on August 5, Justice Anup J. Bhambhani said protection would be granted in respect of three categories of alleged violations, sexually vulgar content, unauthorised commercial exploitation of Pandey’s personality, and impersonation.

At the same time, the court cautioned against an overly broad understanding of personality rights. “In the opinion of this court, the concept of personality rights as has been claimed in the present matter may be over broad and therefore susceptible to misapplication,” the court observed.

The judge said the court was mindful that personality rights should not be used to suppress information concerning wrongdoing or to wipe out an entire category of expression, including caricature, lampooning and parody, where such content does not amount to commercial exploitation of a person’s personality or publicity rights.

“Proceeding from this word of caution, in the present case, the court is persuaded to grant protection to the plaintiff limited only to 03 sets of violations complained of in the plaint,” the court said. It also directed online platforms to remove the offending content identified in its order.

A number of prominent public figures, including actors Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and Salman Khan, Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, journalist Sudhir Chaudhary, podcaster Raj Shamani, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and cricketer Abhishek Sharma, have approached the high court seeking protection of their personality and publicity rights.

The High Court has granted interim protection in those cases as well.

Published - August 25, 2026 10:33 am IST

Delhi / social networking

Source: TheHindu
Related Posts: Delhi High Court warns against misusing personality,Alakh Pandey PW,Physics Wallah founder Alakh Pandey

Comment on Post

Leave a comment

If you have a News Orbit 360 user account, your address will be used to display your profile picture.


From the frontlines of the Russia-Ukraine border, Manoj Singh Shekhawat sent a 21-second audio message to his family in Rajasthan on October 15
Politics
The desperate wait of families of Indian men tricked into fighting Russia’s war

From the frontlines of the Russia-Ukraine border, Manoj Singh Shekhawat sent a 21-second audio message to his family in Rajasthan on October 15. “If you don’t hear from me for three days, consider that I am no more,” the 33-year-old cab driver from Jaipur told his family

13 hours ago

The Supreme Court will hear Naresh Balyan's plea challenging his bail denial. The Delhi High Court previously rejected his bail application in a MCOCA case
Politics
SC agrees to hear ex-AAP MLA's plea seeking bail in MCOCA case

The Supreme Court will hear Naresh Balyan's plea challenging his bail denial. The Delhi High Court previously rejected his bail application in a MCOCA case. Balyan is accused of facilitating a crime syndicate run by gangster Kapil Sangwan. The high court found an active criminal nexus between

1 days ago

The Delhi High Court has sought responses from Abhijit Iyer Mitra and others. A Cockroach Janta Party spokesperson filed a plea alleging privacy violations
Politics
Delhi HC asks Abhijit Iyer Mitra to respond to CJP spokesperson's privacy suit

The Delhi High Court has sought responses from Abhijit Iyer Mitra and others. A Cockroach Janta Party spokesperson filed a plea alleging privacy violations. The court issued notices and summons regarding the disclosure of residential details. X, formerly Twitter

1 days ago

A Supreme Court Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta has banned any construction or development within 100 metres of Jojari River in Rajasthan
Politics
Supreme Court bans construction within 100 metres of Jojari River in Rajasthan

A Supreme Court Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta has banned any construction or development within 100 metres of Jojari River in Rajasthan,hearing a suo motu case on Monday (August 24, 2026). The court also prohibited hazardous industries within 500 metres of the river’s flow path

1 days ago

The Congress party criticises the Modi government's aggressive privatisation agenda for India's space program. They question the rationale behind weakening
Politics
Modi government strangulating

The Congress party criticises the Modi government's aggressive privatisation agenda for India's space program. They question the rationale behind weakening ISRO's capabilities and transferring its assets. Reports indicate ISRO's role in rocket development will be severely limited by this new policy

1 days ago

Chlorine gas leak at a water treatment plant in Nagpur shortly after midnight on Monday (August 24, 2026) sent nearby residents running for safety and left
Politics
Chlorine gas leaks at water treatment plant in Nagpur

Chlorine gas leak at a water treatment plant in Nagpur shortly after midnight on Monday (August 24, 2026) sent nearby residents running for safety and left many people gasping for breath, officials said. Several people were hospitalised after the leakage occurred in a 900-kg capacity chlorine gas

1 days ago

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday said Bengal must emerge as a major investment destination as he highlighted the state's cooperation with
Politics
Bengal must now become a prime destination for investment

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday said Bengal must emerge as a major investment destination as he highlighted the state's cooperation with the Centre in defence, infrastructure and industrial development. His remarks came as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Adhikari virtually

1 days ago

BJP national general secretary Smriti Irani said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has remained responsive to youth concerns and shown that political differences
Politics
ET World Leaders Forum

BJP national general secretary Smriti Irani said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has remained responsive to youth concerns and shown that political differences can be set aside to improve government systems. BJP national general secretary Smriti Irani said the Prime Minister has been attentive to the

1 days ago

In April 2025, the Modi government made a dramatic U-turn and announced that it would count caste in India’s next census. At the time
Politics
Planned failure

In April 2025, the Modi government made a dramatic U-turn and announced that it would count caste in India’s next census. At the time, it made sure to take potshots at its predecessor, the Manmohan Singh-led United Progressive Alliance government, for not including caste in the 2011 census

1 days ago

Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana has sparked outrage after footage emerged of him leaving the dais during the National Anthem
Politics
UP assembly speaker draws ire for leaving dais during National Anthem at Unnao event

Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana has sparked outrage after footage emerged of him leaving the dais during the National Anthem. Opposition leaders have called for his apology, questioning his respect for national sentiments. In his defense

1 days ago

The upkeep of Delhi's iconic Lutyens bungalows, now nearly a century old, is becoming increasingly expensive - annual expenditure on the renovation
Politics
Ageing Lutyens’ Delhi bungalows push upkeep bill for Union Ministers’ residences to over ₹92 crore

The upkeep of Delhi's iconic Lutyens bungalows, now nearly a century old, is becoming increasingly expensive - annual expenditure on the renovation, furnishing and repair of the official residences of Union Ministers touched a record high of ₹92.35 crore in 2025-26

2 days ago

Industrialist Gautam Adani met Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar for an hour. Sources described the meeting as a courtesy visit while returning to the
Politics
Gautam Adani meets Karnataka CM

Industrialist Gautam Adani met Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar for an hour. Sources described the meeting as a courtesy visit while returning to the airport. The meeting occurred amid a proposed tunnel road project for which Adani Enterprises is the lowest bidder

2 days ago

Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda has clarified his statements regarding Sajjan Kumar's death, denying he ever referred to the former MP as a role model
Politics
Facing backlash

Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda has clarified his statements regarding Sajjan Kumar's death, denying he ever referred to the former MP as a role model. He underscored his family's long-standing opposition to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, firmly reiterating their commitment to advocating for the rights and

2 days ago

A project in Assam to improve the quality of an elephant habitat could turn a botanical liability into a carbon-rich asset. For decades
Politics
Assam elephant habitat recovery hope rides on biochar from invasive plants

A project in Assam to improve the quality of an elephant habitat could turn a botanical liability into a carbon-rich asset. For decades, Assam Forest Department officials have struggled to deal with at least half a dozen invasive alien plants (IAPs) that have been constricting local vegetation and

2 days ago

At a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Union ministers were handed report cards. They were not being assessed for their performance as ministers but on how active
Politics
The BJP government’s fumbling effort to regain youth attention online

At a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Union ministers were handed report cards. They were not being assessed for their performance as ministers but on how active and effective they have been on social media. Each minister was ranked based on an evaluation of their social media presence between May 1

2 days ago

The Indian Overseas Congress USA Telangana Chapter voiced disappointment over denied political clearance for Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's US trip
Politics
Indian Overseas Congress USA

The Indian Overseas Congress USA Telangana Chapter voiced disappointment over denied political clearance for Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's US trip. The Ministry of External Affairs cited the program's inappropriateness for the office held by the Chief Minister

2 days ago

Expressing her firm stance, Mayawati, the BSP chief, has rejected the idea of substituting caste-based reservations with economic ones
Politics
Mayawati opposes demand for reservation on economic basis

Expressing her firm stance, Mayawati, the BSP chief, has rejected the idea of substituting caste-based reservations with economic ones, arguing that it would harm the broader national interest. She pointed to constitutional protections for historically marginalized groups and condemned Congress

2 days ago

Rahul Gandhi's 'Chhatro Ki Goonj' program focused on young women in Pune. Congress leaders stated the program's message reached Delhi, causing visible panic
Politics
Panic visible in Delhi

Rahul Gandhi's 'Chhatro Ki Goonj' program focused on young women in Pune. Congress leaders stated the program's message reached Delhi, causing visible panic. Supriya Shrinate highlighted the platform provided for women to voice their concerns. Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol criticized the program

2 days ago

Prime Minister Modi met the BJP's new national office-bearers, stressing public connection and organizational strength. The party announced a nationwide 'Seva
Politics
PM Narendra Modi meets BJP’s new office-bearers

Prime Minister Modi met the BJP's new national office-bearers, stressing public connection and organizational strength. The party announced a nationwide 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' from September 17 to October 17. This campaign aims to spread the spirit of service associated with Modi's public life

2 days ago

Sikh leaders protested outside Rahul Gandhi's residence on Saturday. They demanded an apology for Congress leaders' remarks about Sajjan Kumar. Sajjan Kumar
Politics
Sikh groups protest outside Rahul Gandhi's home

Sikh leaders protested outside Rahul Gandhi's residence on Saturday. They demanded an apology for Congress leaders' remarks about Sajjan Kumar. Sajjan Kumar, convicted in the 1984 riots, recently passed away. Protesters stated that such statements reopened old wounds for families

3 days ago

The Bharatiya Janata Party passed a resolution defending Vande Mataram's national status. This action strongly condemned the Congress Working Committee's
Politics
BJP passes resolution defending full legacy of

The Bharatiya Janata Party passed a resolution defending Vande Mataram's national status. This action strongly condemned the Congress Working Committee's recent decision regarding the song. The BJP affirmed the constitutional and statutory protection of the complete National Song

3 days ago

BJP national president Nitin Nabin on Saturday (August 22, 2026) held the first meeting with the party's newly appointed national office-bearers to discuss
Politics
Nitin Nabin holds first meeting with BJP’s new national team

BJP national president Nitin Nabin on Saturday (August 22, 2026) held the first meeting with the party's newly appointed national office-bearers to discuss poll strategy and grassroots outreach, party sources said. The meeting focused on preparations for upcoming State Assembly elections

3 days ago

Two workers were killed and 11 others were injured in a reactor blast in a pharmaceutical firm in Dothigudem in Pochampally in Yadadri district late on Friday
Politics
Two workers killed in pharma unit blast near Hyderabad

Two workers were killed and 11 others were injured in a reactor blast in a pharmaceutical firm in Dothigudem in Pochampally in Yadadri district late on Friday (August 21, 2026) night. The factory is about 50 km from Hyderabad. According to police officials

3 days ago

The Supreme Court has redefined the term 'industry' for new labor cases. This ruling will not affect past or pending cases under the old law
Politics
Risks weakening worker safeguards

The Supreme Court has redefined the term 'industry' for new labor cases. This ruling will not affect past or pending cases under the old law. The Congress party expressed concern over this significant change. They believe it weakens essential safeguards for many workers

3 days ago

BJP MP Dharmendra Pradhan accused Congress of appeasement politics regarding the Vande Mataram song. He stated the party's true face has been exposed to the
Politics
Congress never stood by nation's unity

BJP MP Dharmendra Pradhan accused Congress of appeasement politics regarding the Vande Mataram song. He stated the party's true face has been exposed to the nation. West Bengal Congress President Subhankar Sarkar rejected these allegations from the BJP

3 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged faster reforms and greater ease of living. He expressed confidence that a stable India will contribute to world stability
Politics
ET World Leaders Forum 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged faster reforms and greater ease of living. He expressed confidence that a stable India will contribute to world stability. India has been an oasis of political stability amidst global fluctuations. The government is committed to uplifting the youth, farmers

3 days ago

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Thursday asked the Union government to provide a legislative assurance that any state’s representation in
Politics
Tamil Nadu seeks Centre’s assurance on maintaining parliamentary seats proportion after delimitation

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Thursday asked the Union government to provide a legislative assurance that any state’s representation in Parliament will not reduce due to the delimitation exercise, The New Indian Express reported

3 days ago