Delhi High Court - Orders
Salman Khan vs Ashok Kumar/John Doe & Ors on 11 December, 2025
Author: Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora
Bench: Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora
$~49
* IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI
+ CS(COMM) 1322/2025 & I.A. 30992-96/2025
SALMAN KHAN .....Plaintiff
Through: Mr. Sandeep Sethi, Sr. Advocate with
Mr. Nizam Pasha, Mr. Parag
Khandhar, Ms. Chandrima Mitra, Mr.
Krishan Kumar, Mr. Sidharth
Kaushik, Mr. Tapan, Ms. Zara
Dhanbhira, Ms. Charu Sharma, Ms.
Shreya Sethi and Mr. Krisna
Gambhir, Advocates
versus
ASHOK KUMAR/JOHN DOE & ORS. .....Defendants
Through: Mr. Ankit Parhar and Mr. Abhishek
Kumar, Advocates for D-2
Mr. Aditya Gupta, Advocate for D-4
Mr. Madhav Khosla, Advocate for
D-6
Ms. Aishwarya Kane, Mr. Shivansh
Tiwari and Mr. Yash Raj, Advocates
for D-21
CORAM:
HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE MANMEET PRITAM SINGH ARORA
ORDER
% 11.12.2025 I.A. 30996/2025 (for exemption from filing legible, clear documents)
1. This is an application under Section 151 of Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 [„CPC‟] filed on behalf of the Plaintiff for exemption from filing legible, clear, typed copies of the documents.
2. Subject to the Plaintiff filing legible, clear, typed copies of the CS(COMM) 1322/2025 Page 1 of 28 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/12/2025 at 20:44:35 documents within a period of thirty (30) days from today, exemption is granted for the present, failing which, the Plaintiff will not be entitled to rely upon these documents.
3. Accordingly, the application is disposed of. I.A. 30995/2025 (for exemption from filing original/certified documents)
4. This is an application under Section 151 of CPC filed on behalf of the Plaintiff seeking exemption from filing original/certified copies of the documents.
5. Original documents shall be produced/filed at the time of Admission/Denial, if sought, strictly as per the provisions of the Commercial Courts Act, 2015 and the Delhi High Court (Original Side) Rules, 2018.
6. The typed and/or fair copies of the illegible documents be filed within four (4) weeks, failing which the Plaintiff will not be entitled to rely upon the said documents.
7. Accordingly, the application stands disposed of. I.A. 30994/2025 (seeking permission to file lengthy list of dates)
8. This is an application filed under Section 151 of CPC on behalf of the Plaintiff seeking permission to file lengthy list of dates and synopsis.
9. For the reasons stated in the application, the application is allowed.
10. Accordingly, the applications stand disposed of. I.A. 30993/2025 (seeking exemption from pre-institution mediation)
11. This is an application filed under Section 12A of the Commercial Courts Act, 2015 read with Section 151 CPC filed on behalf of the Plaintiff seeking exemption from instituting pre-litigation mediation.
12. Having regard to the facts that the present suit contemplates urgent CS(COMM) 1322/2025 Page 2 of 28 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/12/2025 at 20:44:35 interim relief and in light of the judgement of the Supreme Court in Yamini Manohar v. T.K.D. Keerthi1, exemption from the requirement of pre- institution mediation is granted to the Plaintiff.
13. Accordingly, the application stands disposed of. CS(COMM) 1322/2025
14. The present suit has been filed seeking permanent injunction restraining misappropriation of personality and/or publicity rights, infringement of trademark, copyright, performer‟s rights, passing off and other ancillary reliefs against Defendants.
15. The website www.redbubble.com has been impleaded as Defendant No. 29 on the oral prayer of the Plaintiff.
16. Mr. Sandeep Sethi, learned senior counsel for the Plaintiff states that advance service has been affected on all the Defendants, except Defendant No. 1 i.e., Ashok Kumar/John Doe. He states that Defendant No. 9, 15, 16, 22, 24, 26, 27 and 29 are identified infringing Defendants.
17. Let the plaint be registered as a suit.
18. Summons be issued to Defendant Nos. 9, 15, 16, 22, 24, 26, 27 and 29 [„infringing Defendants‟] through speed post and e-mail, upon filing of process fee. Affidavit of service(s) be filed within one (1) week.
19. Summons shall state that the written statement(s) shall be filed within thirty (30) days. Along with the written statement(s) the Defendants shall also file affidavit(s) of admission/denial of the documents filed by the plaintiff, failing which the written statement(s) shall not be taken on record.
20. The Plaintiff is at liberty to file replication thereto within thirty (30) days after filing of the written statement(s). The replication shall be 1 (2024) 5 SCC 815 CS(COMM) 1322/2025 Page 3 of 28 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/12/2025 at 20:44:35 accompanied by affidavit of admission/denial in respect of the documents filed by Defendants, failing which the replication shall not be taken on record.
21. It is made clear that any unjustified denial of documents may lead to an order of costs against the concerned party.
22. Any party seeking inspection of documents may do so in accordance with the Delhi High Court (Original Side) Rules, 2018.
23. Upon perusal of the plaint, Defendant Nos. 2 to 8, 10 to 14, 17 to 21, 23, 25, and 28 appear to have been impleaded as „proforma Defendants‟ in the suit for removing infringing links and ensuring compliance of the Court‟s directions. Since they are proforma Defendants, no summons is being issued to the said Defendants. The said Defendants, therefore, do not have to file written statements. However, in case subsequently it is observed that the said Defendants are asserting a position which is adversarial to the Plaintiff in these proceedings, summons will be issued to them.
The directions for compliance qua said proforma Defendants have been issued in I.A. 30992/2025.
24. List before the learned Joint Registrar (J) for completion of service and pleadings, marking of exhibits and admission/denial of documents on 23.01.2026.
25. List before the Court on 18.05.2026.
I.A. 30992/2025 (Under Order XXXIX Rule 1 and 2 CPC)
26. This is an application filed under Order XXXIX Rules 1 & 2 CPC on behalf of the Plaintiff seeking ad-interim injunction against the Defendants.
27. Mr. Sandeep Sethi, learned senior counsel for the Plaintiff has set up the case of the Plaintiff as under:
CS(COMM) 1322/2025 Page 4 of 28This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/12/2025 at 20:44:35 27.1. The Plaintiff, Mr. Salman Khan, is an acclaimed and commercially successful actor of the Indian film Industry, with a career spanning over three [3] decades.
27.2. Besides being an actor, the Plaintiff is a philanthropist and entrepreneur. The Plaintiff is the owner of the trademark „Being Human‟, which is also associated with works carried out by the Plaintiff‟s charitable trust namely „Being Human - The Salman Khan Foundation‟. It is stated that various merchandises are manufactured under the „Being Human‟ trademark.
The Plaintiff also has a trademark registration under Class 43 for his personal name i.e., „SALMAN KHAN‟. A list of the Plaintiff‟s various trademark registrations and trademark applications are mentioned at paragraph 21(C)(v) of the plaint.
27.3. The Plaintiff has acted in over 100 films including numerous critically and commercially acclaimed blockbuster films across diverse genres. The Plaintiff has connected with audiences across traditional and digital markets and is a brand endorser for various popular brands across sectors, who have availed his services for promoting their products, services, and their own brands. A list of the brands which the Plaintiff is endorsing is mentioned at paragraph „15‟ of the plaint.
27.4. The Plaintiff has been honored with numerous awards for his contribution to Indian cinema, including multiple Filmfare Awards. The Plaintiff also owns a production company namely „Salman Khan Ventures Private Limited‟ and as a producer he has won multiple National Film Awards.
27.5. The Plaintiff‟s extensive fan-following on social media platforms like CS(COMM) 1322/2025 Page 5 of 28 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/12/2025 at 20:44:35 Facebook [51 million followers], Instagram [71.1 million followers] and X [45.5 million followers] further demonstrates the distinctiveness and exclusive public association of his name, image and persona. 27.6. It is stated that the Plaintiff enjoys personality rights over all facets of his persona, including his name, voice, likeness and image. It is stated that these rights entitle him to control the commercial use of such attributes and no third-party may use, imitate or exploit any of these attributes without the Plaintiff‟s express authorization.
27.7. The Plaintiff‟s image, photograph, and likeness, widely disseminated through films, shows and advertisements, are immediately and uniquely associated with the Plaintiff and no one else. 27.8. It is stated that the Plaintiff‟s rights in the subject matter of the present suit encompass: (a) personality and publicity rights protected under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution of India; (b) moral rights recognized under Section 38, 38A and 38B of the Copyright Act, 1957; (c) common law rights against passing off and misappropriation; and (d) statutory trademark rights conferred under the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
28. The Defendants and their infringing activities and/or status as proforma Defendants, as provided by the learned senior counsel for the Plaintiff, have been specified in the table below: -
Sl. No. Defendants Infringing Activities
1. Defendant No. 1 John Doe/Ashok Kumar
2. Defendant No. 2 X accounts impersonating the Plaintiff to
- „X‟ show association with the Plaintiff (previously (including fan pages) known as Twitter) X accounts infringing the registered trademark of the Plaintiff
3. Defendant No. 3 Facebook account spreading fake news
- Meta Platforms about the Plaintiff Inc. Instagram account with content which CS(COMM) 1322/2025 Page 6 of 28 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/12/2025 at 20:44:35 can influence the trial / case relating to the Plaintiff Facebook account with disparaging remarks targeting the Plaintiff
4. Defendant No. 4 Applications on Google Play misusing
- Google LLC the personality / features of the Plaintiff with wallpapers, stickers etc. of the Plaintiff Artificial Intelligence generated videos of the Plaintiff on „YouTube‟ which are disparaging in nature / not in good taste GIFs on the platform „Tenor‟ which misuse the image/works of the Plaintiff
5. Defendant No. 5 Application on the platform of Defendant
- Apple Inc. No. 5 allowing a game to be downloaded which misuses the image/name etc. of the Plaintiff
6. Defendant No. 6 Account impersonating the Plaintiff on - Telegram FZ the platform of Defendant No. 6 LLC
7. Defendant No. 7 A channel/web page misusing the image
- Nice Gram and name of the Plaintiff which leads to a „BOT‟ on „Telegram‟ / Defendant No. 6
8. Defendant No. 8 Online marketplace unauthorizedly
- Etsy Inc. selling merchandise like T-shirts, posters etc. using the name/image/personality of the Plaintiff
9. Defendant No. 9 Online marketplace unauthorizedly
- Blue Clover selling T-shirts using the name/image/personality of the Plaintiff
10. Defendant No. 10 Online marketplace unauthorizedly
- Amazon India selling T-shirts using the name/image/personality of the Plaintiff
11. Defendant No. 11 Registrar of website www.redbubble.com
-Amazon which is unauthorizedly selling Registrar Inc. merchandise using the name/image/personality of the Plaintiff
12. Defendant No. 12 Online marketplace unauthorizedly
- Flipkart Internet selling merchandise like cups, mugs etc. Private Limited using the name/image/personality of the Plaintiff
13. Defendant No. 13 Online marketplace unauthorizedly
- Ebay Inc. selling merchandise using the name/image/personality of the Plaintiff CS(COMM) 1322/2025 Page 7 of 28 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/12/2025 at 20:44:35
14. Defendant No. 14 Online marketplace unauthorizedly
- Ubuy Co. selling the cutouts of the Plaintiff thereby misusing the Plaintiff‟s image / features etc.
15. Defendant No. 15 Online marketplace unauthorizedly
- Celebrity selling the cutouts of the Plaintiff thereby Cutouts misusing the Plaintiff‟s image / features etc.
16. Defendant No. 16 Online marketplace unauthorizedly
- VIP Cutouts selling the cutouts of the Plaintiff thereby misusing the Plaintiff‟s image / features etc.
17. Defendant No. 17 Registrar of website
- West 263 https://www.gameplaycityuk.com/ International Pvt. unauthorizedly selling merchandise using Ltd the name/image/signature/personality of the Plaintiff
18. Defendant No. 18 Registrar of the following websites,
- Name Cheap which by the use of AI, misuse the Inc. personality of the Plaintiff including the Plaintiff‟s image, voice etc.
- https://www.decohere.ai/chars/salma n-khan
- https://www.imagineanything.ai/en/c ontent/10415901
- https://journeyaiart.com/tag/Salman-
Khan
- https://www.fineshare.com/online-
voice-changer/salman-khan.html
- https://www.vocalize.fm/voices/8441
- https://www.talkie-
ai.com/chat/salman-khan-
74664453910607
19. Defendant No. 19 Registrar of the website
- Cloudflare Inc. https://neural.love/, which by the use of AI, misuses the personality of the Plaintiff including the Plaintiff‟s image
20. Defendant No. 20 Registrar of the following websites
- GoDaddy India which misuse the personality of the Web Services Plaintiff including by misuse of his Private Limited name, image and by way of cybersquatting http://salmankhanholics.com/ -
cybersquatting CS(COMM) 1322/2025 Page 8 of 28 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/12/2025 at 20:44:35 https://www.salmankhanventures.com/ - cybersquatting https://covers.ai/generator?type=speech& voiceName=by-id%3A7294c59f-e015-
4173-b8e5-5895a47a0932 - misuse of
the Plaintiff‟s voice and image by using
AI
https://www.zedge.net/wallpapers/74ac0
618-d83f-49dd-af33-de47f2328e7f -
misuse of the Plaintiff‟s image by using
AI
https://indianmemetemplates.com/?s=sal
man+khan - Provides downloadable
images of the Plaintiff to be used as a
meme template.
21. Defendant No. 21 Registrar of the website
- Porkbun LLC https://voicedub.ai/ which allows misuse
of the Plaintiff‟s voice using AI
22. Defendant No. 22 Registrant/owner of website
- Perfect Privacy www.wallpapercaves.com which
LLP provides for download, wallpapers
featuring the image of the Plaintiff
23. Defendant No. 23 Registrar of website
- Public Domain https://www.filmibeat.com/ which
Registry provides for download, wallpapers
featuring the image of the Plaintiff
24. Defendant No. 24 Owner of the website
- News Hour https://rb.celebshow247.com/#google_vi
Productions gnette which is spreading fake news
regarding the Plaintiff
25. Defendant No. 25 Owner of platform
- Pinterest Inc. https://in.pinterest.com/ which has image
of the Plaintiff which is disparaging in
nature
26. Defendant No. 26 Website featuring GIFs which misuse the
- Sticker.ly image/videos of the Plaintiff thereby
infringing the Plaintiff‟s personality
rights
27. Defendant No. 27 Website featuring GIFs which misuse the
- Giphy image/videos of the Plaintiff thereby
infringing the Plaintiff‟s personality
rights
28. Defendant No. 28 Registrar of the website
- IONOS SE https://salmankhan.fr/ which misuses the
CS(COMM) 1322/2025 Page 9 of 28
This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/12/2025 at 20:44:35 personality of the Plaintiff by way of cybersquatting Submissions on behalf of the Plaintiff
29. Mr. Sandeep Sethi, learned senior counsel for the Plaintiff states that most of the Defendants that are misusing the personality and/or publicity rights of the Plaintiff and are doing so clandestinely and surreptitiously without the Plaintiff‟s authorization and without a clear disclosure of their names, address and other details. Hence, Defendant No. 1 has been arrayed as „Ashok Kumar‟ based on the „John Doe‟ principle applicable in India. Infringement through mobile applications 29.1. He states that there are unauthorized mobile applications available for download on various digital platforms and app stores, including but not limited to App Store operated by Defendant No. 5/Apple Inc., to attract public attention and thereby misappropriate the commercial and proprietary value of the Plaintiff‟s identity as well as mislead consumers into believing in a false association with the Plaintiff. He states that the Defendants engaged in these infringing activities are unknown person(s)/entity arrayed as Defendant No. 1 and the infringing applications/Apps are available on the platforms of Defendant Nos. 4 and 5.
Infringement through merchandise 29.2. He states that there are several dishonest traders and sellers found selling merchandise that prominently utilize various aspects of the Plaintiff‟s personality and the trademarks owned by the Plaintiff without any due authorization. He states that the said sellers are physically affixing the name and image of the Plaintiff on products and merchandise that they engage in manufacture and sale with the sole aim to unlawfully show a nexus or CS(COMM) 1322/2025 Page 10 of 28 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/12/2025 at 20:44:35 affiliation with the Plaintiff so as to boast their illegitimate profits. He states the Defendants engaged in these infringing activities are Defendant Nos. 1, 9 15 and 16 on the e-commerce platforms of Defendant Nos. 8, 10, 12, 13, 14. He states that there are certain websites [registrant details whereof are not known] and therefore, their DNRs Defendant Nos. 11 and 17 have been arrayed. He states the newly impleaded Defendant No. 29 is also engaged in these infringing activities.
Infringement through false and fake news 29.3. He states that some of the Defendants are spreading false, fabricated and derogatory content including fake news regarding the Plaintiff, which consists of Plaintiff‟s images, photograph and name/ abbreviations with an intention of defaming/harming the goodwill and reputation enjoyed by the Plaintiff. He states that the Defendants engaged in these infringing activities are Defendant Nos. 1 on the platform of Defendant No. 3; as well as Defendant No. 24 itself.
Infringement through illegal use of Artificial Intelligence ['AI'] 29.4. He states that the Plaintiff‟s personality attributes specially his voice [as chatbots] and image are being utilized by unknown Defendants to generate illicit profits with the aim to show their association with the Plaintiff, and to gain fame amongst the public, at the cost of Plaintiff‟s reputation and goodwill.
He states that these violations are occurring on the websites [registrant details whereof are not known] of which Defendant Nos. 18 to 21 and 23, are the concerned Domain Name Registrars [„DNRs‟] as well as on the website owned by Defendant No. 22 itself. These persons are infringing the personality rights of the Plaintiff and/or are providing a medium/platform, CS(COMM) 1322/2025 Page 11 of 28 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/12/2025 at 20:44:35 which is being used by third parties to infringe the personality rights and moral rights of the Plaintiff.
Infringement through Graphical Interchange Formats ['GIFs'], Memes and Stickers 29.5. He states that some of the Defendants are creating and/or enabling third parties to create images and audio-video clips, GIFs, memes and stickers, which are exploiting various aspects of the Plaintiff‟s personality. It is stated that such actions infringe the personality rights of the Plaintiff, since there is no authorization and/or consent obtained from the Plaintiff for using attributes of his Personality. He states the persons/entities engaged in these infringing activities are Defendant No. 1 on the social media platforms of Defendant Nos. 3, 4, 25. He states that similarly Defendant Nos. 26 and 27 are engaged in these infringing activities itself. Infringement through fake profiles and cybersquatting 29.6. He states that several fake profiles/social media accounts are created on the social media platforms controlled by Defendant Nos. 2, 3, 6, and 7. 29.7. He states an unknown entity with the apparent intention of cyber- squatting has registered the domain names https://salmankhan.fr/ [of which Defendant No. 28 is the concerned DNR] as well as domain names http://salmankhanholics.com/ and https://www.salmankhanventures.com/ [of which Defendant No. 20 is the concerned DNR]. He states that the registrants details are not known.
29.8. He states that all the aforementioned activities amount to an infringement of the Plaintiff's personality rights, publicity rights, and breach of privacy. He states that such illegal and dishonest acts are causing immense commercial harm to the Plaintiff and a dilution of his goodwill and CS(COMM) 1322/2025 Page 12 of 28 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/12/2025 at 20:44:35 reputation.
29.9. He states that aggrieved by such unauthorized and illegal acts; the Plaintiff has filed the captioned suit along with the interim injunction application.
Directions
30. This Court has heard the learned counsel for the parties and has perused the record.
31. The Plaintiff is a known public figure with a distinguished career of over three [3] decades, during which his name, image, voice and likeness have acquired distinctiveness and high commercial value.
He has established immense goodwill and reputation over the years and has been the face of various reputed brands across consumers segments. The Plaintiff has millions of followers across various social media platforms, which demonstrates the strong public association uniquely tied to his identity among the Indian as well as international populace. Additionally, the Plaintiff has also got his personal name and its variations registered as trademark under various classes.
32. On the basis of the assertions made in the plaint and perusal of documents filed on record, this Court is of the prima facie view that the Plaintiff is a well-known face in India, who has gained immense goodwill and reputation over a course of a successful career and has acquired a celebrity status in India.
33. In view of the law settled in D.M. Entertainment Vs. Baby Gift House2, Anil Kapoor Vs. Simply Life India & Ors.3, and Jaikishan Kaku 2 MANU/DE/2043/2010 3 2023 SCC Online Del 6914 [Paragraph Nos. 38 to 40] CS(COMM) 1322/2025 Page 13 of 28 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/12/2025 at 20:44:35 Bhai Sarf Alias Jackie Shroff Vs. The Peppy store and Ors.4 there can be no dispute that this status inherently grants the Plaintiff proprietary rights over his personality and associated attributes.
34. Therefore, prima facie, the Plaintiff‟s personality traits and/or parts thereof, including the Plaintiff‟s name, likeness, voice, and image are protectable elements of the Plaintiff‟s personality rights. The Plaintiff is entitled to seek injunction against the use of his personality rights by third parties for selling merchandise for their commercial gains, without his authorisation as well as use of his personality attributes to spread false/fake news which defame/harm the goodwill and reputation of the Plaintiff.
35. The balance of convenience lies in favour of the Plaintiff, and the continuing availability of the infringing content would cause irreparable injury to the Plaintiff. The Plaintiff has therefore, made out a case for ex- parte ad-interim injunction against the infringing Defendants.
36. In the meantime, until the next date of hearing , following directions are hereby issued : -
a. Defendant Nos. 9, 15, 16, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29 and 1/Ashok Kumar, their associates, servants, agents, affiliates, holding companies, assignees, substitutes, representatives, group entities, their subscribers, employees and/ or persons claiming through them or under them and all other persons are restrained from violating the Plaintiff‟s personality rights by utilizing and/or in any manner directly and/or indirectly, using or exploiting or misappropriating the Plaintiff's personality/ publicity rights by the using the Plaintiff‟s (a) name i.e., „Salman Khan‟, (b) images, (c) likeness, (d) voice; and (e) 4 2024 SCC Online Del 3664.CS(COMM) 1322/2025 Page 14 of 28
This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/12/2025 at 20:44:35 trademarks owned by the Plaintiff, which are exclusively identifiable with the Plaintiff for any commercial and/or personal gain and/or otherwise by exploiting them in any manner whatsoever without the Plaintiffs consent and/or authorization, through the use of any technology including but not limited to Artificial Intelligence, Generative Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Graphic Interchange Formats and on any mediums and formats, including but not limited to the physical medium and the virtual medium such as websites, mobile apps, etc. b. Defendant No. 5 is directed to take down the impugned mobile application, which unauthorizedly uses the Plaintiff‟s personal attributes, enlisted in Annexure A attached to this order. The said Defendant is also directed to provide the complete BSI5 details of the owner of the impugned mobile application to the Plaintiff. c. Defendant No. 7 is directed to take down the impugned channel, which unauthorizedly uses the Plaintiff‟s personal attributes, enlisted in Annexure A attached to this order. The said Defendant is also directed to provide the complete BSI details of the owner of the said channel to the Plaintiff.
d. Defendant Nos. 9, 15, 16 and 29 are restrained from selling and/or facilitating sale of merchandise, which infringes the personality rights of the Plaintiff. The said Defendants are also directed to delist the impugned goods solicited on their websites, which are infringing personality rights of the Plaintiff and are enlisted in Annexure A attached to this order.5
Basic Subscriber Information CS(COMM) 1322/2025 Page 15 of 28 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/12/2025 at 20:44:35 In case, Defendant No. 29 fails to act upon the directions of this order, Defendant No. 11 is directed to lock and suspend the domain name of Defendant No. 29.
e. Defendant Nos. 8, 10, 12, 13 and 14 are restrained from selling and/or facilitating sale of merchandise, which infringes the personality rights of the Plaintiff. The said Defendants are directed to delist the products, which are solicited on their respective websites, and are enlisted in Annexure A attached to this order. f. Defendant Nos. 17, 18 to 21, 23, and 28 [the concerned DNRs] are directed to suspend and lock the impugned domain names for the website enlisted in Annexure A attached to this order. The said Defendants are also directed to provide the complete details [including BSI details] of the registrant(s) of the said domain names including the IP addresses to the Plaintiff.
The Plaintiff will implead the registrants of the infringing websites after it receives the BSI details within one [1] week.
Pending the receipt of the BSI details, the Plaintiff is directed to however file an amended memo of parties enlisting all the websites against which directions have been sought through the DNRs i.e., Defendant Nos. 17, 18 to 21, 23, and 28. These websites will be enlisted as Defendant Nos. 30, 31 and so on. The amended memo of parties be filed within one [1] week from today.
g. Defendant No. 22 is restrained from publishing/uploading any material, which infringes the personality rights of the Plaintiff and is also directed to take down the URL enlisted in Annexure A attached to this order, within one [1] week. In case, Defendant No. 22 fails to CS(COMM) 1322/2025 Page 16 of 28 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/12/2025 at 20:44:35 comply with the said directions, Defendant No. 4/Google will reindex the said URL of the said website.
h. Defendant No. 24 is restrained from publishing any material, which infringes the personality rights of the Plaintiff and from spreading fake news qua the Plaintiff. The said Defendant is also directed to take down the URLs enlisted in Annexure A attached to this order. i. Defendant No. 25 is directed to take down the URL containing the disparaging content, which is enlisted in Annexure A attached to this order.
j. Defendant Nos. 26 and 27 are restrained from publishing any material, which infringes the personality rights of the Plaintiff and are directed to take down the URLs enlisted in Annexure A attached to this order.
37. The concerned Defendants are directed to comply with these directions within 72 hours from the receipt of this Order.
38. If any website/aggrieved party, which is not primarily an infringing party, is blocked/affected in pursuance of this Order, it is permitted to approach the Court by giving an undertaking that it does not intend to do any illegal dissemination of the content, which infringes the personality rights of the Plaintiff and the Court would consider modifying the injunction if the facts and circumstances, so warrant. IT Rules, 2021
39. Mr. Sandeep Sethi, learned senior counsel for the Plaintiff states that the Plaintiff has perused the directions issued by the Court at paragraph „56‟ of the order dated 27.11.2025 passed in CS(COMM) 1269/2025 titled Ajay Alias Vishal Veeru Devgan v. The Artists Planet and Others and the CS(COMM) 1322/2025 Page 17 of 28 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/12/2025 at 20:44:35 directions issued in the order dated 08.12.2025 passed in CS(COMM) 1305/2025 titled Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao v. Ashok Kumar and Others.
40. He states that the Plaintiff has not availed the statutory mechanism of approaching the intermediaries before filing the suit. He states that similar directions be issued to Defendant Nos. 2, 3, 4, and 6 to treat the present plaint as a complaint with respect to the infringing links for redressal of the Plaintiff‟s grievances, as contemplated under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 [„IT Rules, 2021‟].
Directions qua Defendant Nos. 2, 3, 4, and 6
41. The intermediaries/Defendant Nos. 2, 3, 4, and 6 are directed to treat this plaint as a complaint vis-à-vis the infringing Defendants, in accordance with the IT Rules, 2021 as well as their own governing policy; and are directed to take directed to adjudicate the same in accordance with the said IT Rules, 2021, within a period of three (3) days from the uploading of this Order.
42. In case, the said Defendants have any reservation on the infringing links, they shall communicate such reservation along with reasons to the plaintiff within the said period, so that the said issue can be decided in these proceedings on the next date of hearing.
43. Issue notice.
44. Learned counsels appearing on behalf of defendant nos. 2, 4, and 6 accepts notice.
45. Notice be issued to Defendant Nos. 9, 15, 16, 22, 24, 26, 27 and 29 [i.e., infringing Defendants] and to Defendant Nos. 3, 5, 7, 8, 10 to 14, 17 to CS(COMM) 1322/2025 Page 18 of 28 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/12/2025 at 20:44:35 21, 23, 25, and 28 [i.e., proforma Defendants] through speed post and e- mail, upon filing of process fee. Affidavit of service(s) be filed within one [1] week.
46. In addition, issue notice through email to Mr. Varun Pathak, Advocate for Defendant No. 3, who ordinarily appears for the said Defendant.
47. Let the notice states that reply be filed within four [4] weeks. Rejoinder, if any, be filed within four [4] weeks thereafter.
48. Compliance of provisions of Order XXXIX Rule 3 CPC be done within ten [10] days from today.
49. List the matter before the learned Joint Registrar (J) on 23.01.2026.
50. List the matter before the Court on 18.05.2026.
51. The digitally signed copy of this order, duly uploaded on the official website of the Delhi High Court, www.delhihighcourt.nic.in, shall be treated as a certified copy of the order for the purpose of ensuring compliance. No physical copy of order shall be insisted by any authority/entity or litigant.
MANMEET PRITAM SINGH ARORA, J DECEMBER 11, 2025/rhc/IB/MG Uploaded on 13.12.2025 CS(COMM) 1322/2025 Page 19 of 28 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/12/2025 at 20:44:35 ANNEXURE - A Sr. No. Defendant Infringing links
1. Defendant No. 1 - -
John Doe/Ashok Kumar
2. Defendant No. 2 - https://x.com/Salman_KhanAiTR "X" (previously https://x.com/beingintouch known as Twitter)
3. Defendant No. 3 - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=10 Meta Platforms, Inc.0091348028697 https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1 62361047255630&id=133215336836868&set =a.135101109981624 https://www.instagram.com/reel/D0s7drmCII N/?igsh=ZTFz0TdsZjAxM2R1 https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1 684711774929089&id=681418711925072&s et=a.708172952582981 https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?sto ryIbid=pfbid0aAwUnkSXtFXiSrSAQNSaQ77 Ztb.1doLFwyVLp3nsYCJ6iiu5Wqt.M9TleRY CrUzG6l&id=61566868976811
4. Defendant No. 4 - https://tenor.com/en-IN/view/swagat-
Google LLC nahikaroge-humara-gif-24801669 https://tenor.com/en-IN/view/oh-yes- handsomesunglasses-gif-15760305 https://tenor.com/en-IN/view/salman-khan- 90s-salman-khan-handsome-salman-khan- yawningif-11415599451311729213 https://tenor.com/en-IN/view/salman- runningsalman-run-tubelight-happy-gif-
CS(COMM) 1322/2025 Page 20 of 28This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/12/2025 at 20:44:35 Sr. No. Defendant Infringing links 1979529177478496526 https://tenor.com/en-IN/view/salman-
heroesreactions-lol-smile-gif-
17779472852977501896 https://tenor.com/en-IN/view/reacted-reacted-
sadcrying-tere-naam-tere-naam-salman-khan- gif-15044118468355209391 https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lTxvr6hB14 o https://www.youtube.com/shorts/X49RElchJC QI https://www.youtube.com/shorts/AnBra0uPuf Y https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4frzFopiVtM https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Z2rXxf6RU pl https://www.youtube.com/shorts/w_p23dXQC ARo https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Eo9u8AtqPj 0 https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xe2wJH7LtT k https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qvKDQBZ-
cxM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTfTHvp Oisbo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QE2wTd NxHk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4TpMw 104S8 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id= com.greetings.quotes.hindi.salmankhan&h1=e CS(COMM) 1322/2025 Page 21 of 28 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/12/2025 at 20:44:35 Sr. No. Defendant Infringing links nIN https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id= com.hindi.salmankhan.songs.videos.salmankh anmovies&h1=enIN https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id= com.ArunD.SalmanKhanNewStickers&h1=en &gl=US
5. Defendant No. 5 - https://apps.apple.com/in/app/being-salman-
Apple Inc. theofficial-game/id1110700363
6. Defendant No. 6 - https://t.me/Salman Telegram FZ LLC
7. Defendant No. 7 - https://nicegram.app/hub/channel/SalmanKha NiceGram nAnn
8. Defendant No. 8 - https://www.etsy.com/in-
Etsy, inc. en/listing/4340399367/vintage-salman-khan-
tere-naam-t-
shirt?ls=s&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_searc h_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search _query=salman+khan+stickers&ref=sr_gallery
-1-16&content_source=d2cef2eb-d4a0-4041- 8004- f7d194dc4f65%253A949a439bce7205546455 aa2c84e59ce78f17b9ef&organic_search_click =1&logging_key=d2cef2eb-d4a0-4041-8004- f7d194dc4f65%3A949a439bce7205546455aa 2c84e59ce78f17b9ef https://www.etsy.com/in-
en/listing/1667383762/salman-khan-vintage- style-t-
shirt?ls=s&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_searc h_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search _query=salman+khan+stickers&ref=sr_gallery CS(COMM) 1322/2025 Page 22 of 28 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/12/2025 at 20:44:35 Sr. No. Defendant Infringing links
-1-2&sts=1&content_source=d2cef2eb-d4a0- 4041-8004- f7d194dc4f65%253Ad331d1effa12b7ad1813a d7b902c8bd0f3090ed2&organic_search_click =1&logging_key=d2cef2eb-d4a0-4041-8004- f7d194dc4f65%3Ad331d1effa12b7ad1813ad7 b902c8bd0f3090ed2 https://www.etsy.com/in-
en/listing/1811171013/salman-khan-poster- high-
resolution?ls=s&ga_order=most_relevant&ga _search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ search_query=salman+khan+stickers&ref=sr_ gallery-1-4&dd=1&content_source=d2cef2eb- d4a0-4041-8004- f7d194dc4f65%253Ae36e57b2446e62ed5103 3e34c34e27f5eafdf2a8&organic_search_click =1&logging_key=d2cef2eb-d4a0-4041-8004- f7d194dc4f65%3Ae36e57b2446e62ed51033e 34c34e27f5eafdf2a8 https://www.etsy.com/in-
en/listing/1414905294/andaz-apna-apna- digital-art-
poster?ls=s&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_sea rch_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_sear ch_query=salman+khan+stickers&ref=sr_gall ery-1-7&dd=1&content_source=d2cef2eb- d4a0-4041-8004- f7d194dc4f65%253Aa917fc853cc9af1022148 cf8ee33f28199e873d2&organic_search_click= 1&logging_key=d2cef2eb-d4a0-4041-8004- f7d194dc4f65%3Aa917fc853cc9af1022148cf CS(COMM) 1322/2025 Page 23 of 28 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/12/2025 at 20:44:35 Sr. No. Defendant Infringing links 8ee33f28199e873d2 https://www.etsy.com/in-
en/listing/1479659904/hum-aapke-hain-koun- movie-digital-
art?ls=s&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search _type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_ query=salman+khan+stickers&ref=sr_gallery- 1-9&dd=1&content_source=d2cef2eb-d4a0- 4041-8004- f7d194dc4f65%253Aeb4bc893448cd94d6cfae d217d9a89c8b7d78bbe&organic_search_click =1&logging_key=d2cef2eb-d4a0-4041-8004- f7d194dc4f65%3Aeb4bc893448cd94d6cfaed2 17d9a89c8b7d78bbe https://www.etsy.com/in-
en/listing/1396831583/dabangg-movie-digital- art-poster-
salman?ls=s&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_se arch_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_sea rch_query=salman+khan+stickers&ref=sr_gall ery-1-11&dd=1&content_source=d2cef2eb- d4a0-4041-8004- f7d194dc4f65%253A646b705be5472b3b401d bacb3f6bc271382dcc38&organic_search_clic k=1&logging_key=d2cef2eb-d4a0-4041- 8004- f7d194dc4f65%3A646b705be5472b3b401dba cb3f6bc271382dcc38 https://www.etsy.com/in-
en/listing/1396876867/bajrangi-bhaijaan- movie-digital-
art?ls=s&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search CS(COMM) 1322/2025 Page 24 of 28 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/12/2025 at 20:44:35 Sr. No. Defendant Infringing links _type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_ query=salman+khan+stickers&ref=sr_gallery- 1-14&dd=1&content_source=d2cef2eb-d4a0- 4041-8004- f7d194dc4f65%253A19f0c0dbe71b490edd87 7ef684c2c5dd676760c4&organic_search_clic k=1&logging_key=d2cef2eb-d4a0-4041- 8004- f7d194dc4f65%3A19f0c0dbe71b490edd877ef 684c2c5dd676760c4 https://www.etsy.com/in-
en/listing/1027722791/no-sorry-no-thank-you- indian-mugs-
funny?ls=s&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_sear ch_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_searc h_query=salman+khan&ref=sr_gallery-1- 18&sr_prefetch=1&nob=1&content_source=d f5bca89-f8fa-4f72-91e4- 43923d1c2186%253Aabc12f7059e0fb9483ba ba2213856ef09be388ae&organic_search_clic k=1&logging_key=df5bca89-f8fa-4f72-91e4- 43923d1c2186%3Aabc12f7059e0fb9483baba 2213856ef09be388ae https://www.etsy.com/in-
en/listing/1225251276/dabangg-salman-khan- bollywood-mug-indian
9. Defendant No. 9 - https://blueclover.in/products/wanted-
Blue Clover salmankhan-designed-oversized-t-shirt
10. Defendant No. 10 - https://www.amazon.in/Sikandar-Unisex-T-Shirt-
Amazon India Cotton-Casual/dp/BODZPZY23B?th=1&psc=1
11. Defendant No. 11 - https://www.redbubble.com/i/mug/Salman-
Amazon Registrar, Khan-by-Jalalkumar/121031827.9Q0AD CS(COMM) 1322/2025 Page 25 of 28 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/12/2025 at 20:44:35 Sr. No. Defendant Infringing links Inc. https://www.redbubble.com/i/mug/Dabangg-
3-by-FilmFactoryRayz/39453310.9Q0AD (Proposed https://www.redbubble.com/i/t-shirt/Salman- Defendant- Khan-by-Jalalkumar/121031827.DBIAX Redbubble Inc.) https://www.redbubble.com/i/t-shirt/Salman-
Khan-Retro-Bollywood-Actor-by-
Aryabek/169779636.FB110 https://www.redbubble.com/i/t-shirt/Race-3- Salman-Khan-by-
FilmFactoryRayz/31864811.IJ6L0 https://www.redbubble.com/i/t-shirt/Salman-
Khan-Sallu-SK-by-GlareSK/66265209.FB110 https://www.redbubble.com/i/t-shirt/Salman-
Khan-actor-by-
BenitaPettit6/108613902.FB110
12. Defendant No. 12 - https://www.flipkart.com/artbug-salman-khan-
Flipkart Internet India dabang-1054-ceramic-coffee-
Pvt Ltd mug/p/itm490bc3490f4bb
https://www.flipkart.com/thewhoop-salman-
khan-signature-design-ceramic-cup-350-ml- ceramic-coffee-mug/p/itmc1da7eb5f2b07
13. Defendant No. 13 - https://www.ebay.ca/itm/397035337666?_skw Ebay Inc. =salman+khan+signed&itmmeta=01K6FVZP 8QEH76JG13941WJKK9&hash=item5c7126 77c2:g:~DQAAOSwfVlk4njT&itmprp=enc% 3AAQAKAAAA8FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCm i1f9aIhYKyRddE8Z%2B%2Ful0IBhKhCHsU okAGMNXaLCXsB3Yx9VPWz%2FMjNlcCj ow3F8mbgxaLyqvnuWOnZ4QCtmcSGf9xjFp TsyozjLQIr%2B7mFidDZjle8ifWfXho29xBF KgeT5wttvLKCArMWSNnTbksvFu1yjjc8dW t60c6y5afA9Y2yXypePwysrJT%2BlDJT%2F CS(COMM) 1322/2025 Page 26 of 28 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/12/2025 at 20:44:35 Sr. No. Defendant Infringing links LVlvdng%2FihFvyTYLwL8pkXKVd6PwP% 2BisDKhj5Iu87auwh01LREFz4pdqqzUs7FpG Tyra2ANicYh9yQJDjJFbmCteos4jX9ONxfZn lAPr34hwSg%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR8L k_vuzZg
14. Defendant No. 14 - https://www.ubuy.co.in/product/2C35OEDG-
Ubuy Co. salman-khan-life-size-
cutout?srsltid=AfmBOoqFB0so_ILGBfS-
FTLb9Dmei_ZfjY6a7DX2qofhonXoOJpysW nv
15. Defendant No. 15 - https://www.celebrity-
Celebrity Cutout cutouts.com/product/salman-khan-suit-
cardboard-cutout/
16. Defendant No. 16 - https://www.vipcutouts.com/new-celebrity-
VIP Cutouts vip-cardboard-
17. Defendant No. 17 - https://www.gameplaycityuk.com/product/sal West 263 man-khan-m373-bollywood-autographed- International Pvt Ltd. poster-print-photo-signature-gift/
18. Defendant No. 18 - https://www.decohere.ai/chars/salman-khan Namecheap, Inc https://www.imagineanything.ai/salmankhan/ 10415901 https://joumeyaiart.com/tag/Salman-Khan https://www.fineshare.com/online-
voicechanger/salman-khan.html https://www.vocalize.fm/voices/8441 https://www.talkie-ai.com/chat/salman-khan- 74664453910607
19. Defendant No. 19 - https://neural.love/ai-art-generator/1ef4c145- Cloudflare Inc 53c1-69e0-95fa-6196bc5fe7af/salman-khan-
photo
20. Defendant No. 20 - http://salmankhanholics.com/ GoDaddy LLC https://www.salmankhanventures.com/ CS(COMM) 1322/2025 Page 27 of 28 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/12/2025 at 20:44:35 Sr. No. Defendant Infringing links https://covers.ai/generator?type=speech&voice Name=by-id%3A7294c59f-e015-4173-b8e5- 5895a47a0932 https://www.zedge.net/wallpapers/74ac0618- d83f-49dd-af33-de47f2328e7f https://voicedub.ai/create/salman-khan-indian- singing-and-actor
21. Defendant No. 21 - https://voicedub.ai/create/salman-khan-indian-
Porkbun LLC singing-and-actor
22. Defendant No. 22 - https://wallpapercave.com/salman-khan-
Perfect Privacy LLP wallpapers
23. Defendant No. 23 - https://www.filmibeat.com/wallpapers/salman-
Public Domain khan-10695.html#google_vignette Registry
24. Defendant No. 24 - https://rb.celebshow247.com/hienrb/salmankh News Hour an-admitted-to-hospital-in-a-critical- Productions headinjuries-while-shooting/Ylgoorewarded
25. Defendant No. 25 - https://in.pinterest.com/pin/694750680048155 Pinterest Inc. 098/
26. Defendant No. 26 - https://sticker.ly/s/JNPDQA Sticker.ly
27. Defendant No. 27 - https://giphy.com/gifs/bollywood-
Giphy bajrangibhaijaan-salman-khan-
3owzWhNH83LrRNpNKM
28. Defendant No. 28 - https://salmankhan.fr/ IONOS SE CS(COMM) 1322/2025 Page 28 of 28 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 15/12/2025 at 20:44:35