The Delhi High Court has directed Google, Meta, and X to remove content used without permission in the matter of Sunil Gavaskar's personality rights. The court has increased the accountability of digital platforms.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Friday ordered Google, Meta, and X to remove content used without the permission of former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar in the matter of his Personality Rights. The court gave clear instructions to obtain objectionable URLs related to Gavaskar and complete the action within one week. This order came on Gavaskar's petition, in which he sought to prevent the misuse of his name and image on the internet.
What is Gavaskar's Petition
Sunil Gavaskar told the court that his photos and name were being misused on many websites and social media platforms. They were being used in fake advertisements, misleading promotions, and other illegal activities. The petition sought to restrain the violation of personality rights and to hold the platforms responsible.
Court Order
Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora directed that Gavaskar provide the objectionable URLs to the respective platforms within 48 hours. The companies must complete the action on this complaint within one week. The court said that companies should treat it as a formal complaint upon receiving the complaint and inform Gavaskar of the outcome within a week.
Importance of Personality Rights
Personality Rights are the rights under which a person's photograph, name, or identity cannot be commercially used without their permission. Gavaskar's case is related to the protection of this right. The court's order clarifies that digital platforms must ensure the protection of the identity of celebrities and ordinary users.
Strictness for Digital Platforms
This order sends a message to platforms like Google, Meta, and X that they must take immediate and serious action upon receiving a complaint. No fake advertisements, misleading information, or illegal promotions will be allowed to continue. Companies will have to increase their accountability and resolve complaints in a timely manner.
