City Civil Court Hyderabad Grants Ad-Interim Injunction Safeguarding Megastar Chiranjeevi’s Personality and Publicity Rights
Hyderabad, September 26, 2025:
In a landmark decision aimed at protecting celebrity identity and privacy in the digital age, the City Civil Court, Hyderabad, has granted an ad-interim injunction in favour of Megastar Konidela Chiranjeevi, restraining individuals and entities from the unauthorized commercial use of his name, image, voice, likeness, and other personality attributes.
The order was passed by the Court of the Chief Judge, City Civil Court, Hyderabad in I.A. No. 6275 of 2025 in O.S. No. 441 of 2025. It explicitly bars defendants — numbering from 1 to 33 and a “John Doe” (Defendant No. 36) — along with any other person or organization, from misusing Chiranjeevi’s identity, reputation, or stage titles, including “Mega Star,” “Chiru,” and “Annayya.”
Court Recognises Chiranjeevi’s Iconic Legacy and Personality Rights
The court acknowledged that Chiranjeevi is not only one of the most distinguished and respected figures in Indian cinema, but also a Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan awardee whose public image and goodwill are of immense social and economic value.
The judgment noted that several online entities were engaging in unauthorised activities — such as creating AI-generated images, memes, voice reproductions, and merchandise — that exploit Chiranjeevi’s persona for profit without his consent. The court observed that such actions result in “irreparable damage” to his reputation, dignity, and economic rights.
The injunction order, therefore, prohibits any direct or indirect use, imitation, or manipulation of Chiranjeevi’s voice, name, image, and likeness across digital, print, broadcast, or AI-generated formats for any commercial or reputational benefit.
Legal Boundaries Set for Media and Digital Platforms
The Court issued a strong caution to all television networks, OTT platforms, content creators, and digital media houses, making it clear that any unauthorized usage — including misrepresentation, parody, or distortion of his persona — will attract strict legal action under both civil and criminal law.
The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for October 27, 2025, while the respondents have been notified to comply immediately. This ruling is expected to serve as a precedent in India’s entertainment law landscape, reaffirming that celebrity identity rights fall under the broader ambit of intellectual property and privacy protection.
Chiranjeevi’s Initiative to Strengthen Personality Rights
On October 11, 2025, Chiranjeevi personally met Hyderabad Police Commissioner C.V. Anand Sajjanar, handing over a copy of the court order. During their discussion, the Megastar emphasized the urgent need for stronger criminal provisions to combat unauthorized exploitation of celebrity identities, especially in the context of AI-generated content and deepfakes.
Commissioner Sajjanar praised Chiranjeevi’s proactive legal approach, noting that the move highlights the need for stringent enforcement of digital and personality rights in the entertainment industry. He remarked that the case sets a powerful example for other public figures and reinforces accountability in the age of social media and artificial intelligence.
Acknowledgment and Legal Representation
Expressing his gratitude, Chiranjeevi thanked Advocate Sri S. Nagesh Reddy and his legal team for their tireless efforts and professional excellence. Their dedication and strategic legal work were instrumental in securing this landmark injunction that upholds celebrity dignity and the sanctity of personal rights.
A Landmark for Indian Entertainment Law
This decisive legal action underscores a growing awareness around personality and publicity rights in India, especially in an era where AI-driven impersonation and deepfake technologies are becoming common.
By standing firm against misuse, Megastar Chiranjeevi has not only safeguarded his own legacy but also set a precedent protecting artists, public figures, and content creators from the commercial and reputational exploitation of their identities.
