Amitabh Bachchan isn't just a megastar; he is a brand. Known for his baritone and style, Mr.Bachchan's voice and even pictures were used for commercial purposes. However, henceforth it won't be possible. The 80-year-old megastar recently approached the Delhi High Court with a petition "against the world at large" seeking to protect his "name, image, voice, and personality attributes". Today, Justice Navin Chawla passed an order in favour of Mr. Bachchan.
Justice Chawla passed an interim order restraining persons at large from infringing the megastar's personality and publicity rights. He also noted that the defendants were using the Uunchai actor's celebrity status to promote their own businesses without his permission. According to a leading daily's report, Justice Chawla said, "The plaintiff is likely to suffer irreparable loss and harm. Some of the activities may even bring his disrepute. In view of the above, an ex parte ad interim order is passed." Renowned advocate Harish Salve appeared for Mr. Bachchan in the court.
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Justice Chawla further added, "It cannot seriously be disputed that the plaintiff (Bachchan) is a well-known personality and is also represented in various advertisements. The plaintiff is aggrieved by the defendants using his celebrity status to promote their own goods and services without his permission or authorisation. Having considered the plaint, I am of the opinion that a prima facie case is made out and the balance of convenience also lies in his favour."
Advocate Salve, who appeared for Mr. Bachchan, had argued in the court, "I am just giving a flavour of what is going on. Someone is making t-shirts and started putting his face on them. Someone is selling his poster. Someone has gone and registered a domain name, amitabhbachchan.com. This is why we have come."
The matter, as per reports, will be heard in March next year.
(Source: Hindustan Times/NDTV)
