Delhi High Court Takes Action Against Online Content Violating Yuvraj Singh's Rights

Court Orders Removal of Infringing Content

New Delhi: On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court mandated the removal of specific online content that allegedly violates the personality rights of former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh. However, the court clarified that it would not impose a blanket ban on future content at this time.

In an interim ruling, Justice Jyoti Singh instructed the individuals responsible for the identified URLs to eliminate the infringing material within a 48-hour timeframe.

Should the uploaders fail to comply, Yuvraj Singh has the option to approach the relevant intermediary platforms, which would then be obligated to remove the content within 36 hours.

Justice Singh emphasized that the interim relief would be limited to the URLs mentioned in the lawsuit and declined to issue a broad directive for the removal of similar content in the future.

The judge stated, “Currently, I am ordering the removal of the URLs included in the suit. If any new issues arise, submit an application, and I will consider extending the injunction if it is found to be infringing.”

During the proceedings, the court noted that intermediary platforms should not be expected to independently assess whether future content infringes on rights.

Justice Singh remarked, “Who determines if it is similar content? This is a significant debate. They are not judges and cannot decide on infringing material.”

Yuvraj Singh approached the Delhi High Court to safeguard his personality and publicity rights against the unauthorized commercial use of his name, image, likeness, and identity across various online platforms, including infringing merchandise and unauthorized content on social media and e-commerce sites.

This case adds to a growing trend of high-profile individuals seeking legal protection for their personality and publicity rights in the Delhi High Court.

Recently, several notable figures, including former cricketer Gautam Gambhir, ex-India captain Sunil Gavaskar, spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and various actors and musicians, have sought or obtained court protection against unauthorized use of their identities or likenesses.