Cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar has filed a petition before the Delhi High Court, urging legal protection for his personality and publicity rights. He argued that his name, image, and overall persona were being widely misused across several digital platforms, including social media and online marketplaces.
According to the petition, multiple entities—some identifiable, others anonymous—were exploiting his identity without consent for commercial gain. Gavaskar’s legal team submitted a compilation of such infringing posts and listings, asserting that these violations damage his reputation and dilute his personal brand. The petition also names various social media intermediaries and “John Doe” parties responsible for circulating unauthorized content featuring him.
Court Directs Platforms to Follow IT Rules for Content Removal
Upon hearing the plea, Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora instructed the concerned digital platforms to treat Gavaskar’s petition as a formal grievance under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. These rules mandate platforms to respond to user complaints and content removal requests within a specified timeframe. The court directed the intermediaries to evaluate Gavaskar’s complaint and take appropriate action on the flagged posts within one week.
The judge highlighted that public figures seeking urgent removal of unauthorized content must first utilize the complaint mechanisms built into the 2021 IT Rules. Only after attempting these remedies should they approach the court for judicial intervention. This procedural step ensures that platforms act as the first line of compliance and accountability in cases involving personality misuse.
Context of Similar Cases and Broader Implications
The Delhi High Court’s approach in Gavaskar’s case aligns with its stance in similar suits, including one filed earlier by Bollywood actor Salman Khan, who also sought protection against unauthorized use of his name and image. In that case as well, the court emphasized the requirement for intermediaries to evaluate takedown requests swiftly and responsibly.
Gavaskar’s petition highlights a growing concern among celebrities and public figures in India regarding the unregulated commercial exploitation of their personas. With the rapid expansion of e-commerce, influencer culture, and digital advertising, misuse of well-known identities has become increasingly common. The court’s directions reiterate the legal framework available for such individuals to safeguard personal branding and prevent unauthorized monetization.
As the case unfolds, it may set a precedent for stronger enforcement of personality rights in the digital space and reinforce obligations on platforms to respect intellectual property and identity-related protections.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.