Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of Team India, has approached the Delhi High Court seeking legal protection against the growing misuse of his identity through artificial intelligence and deepfake technology. The civil suit highlights rising concerns over personality rights in the digital age.
According to the petition, Gambhir has demanded damages of ₹2.5 crore and immediate removal of all content that falsely impersonates him across social media and e-commerce platforms. The plea names 16 defendants, including online accounts and intermediaries allegedly involved in spreading fabricated content.
The former cricketer has argued that his name, image, and voice are being widely exploited using advanced AI tools such as face-swapping and voice cloning.
These technologies have enabled the circulation of highly realistic videos, including a fake resignation announcement and misleading remarks attributed to him, which have gained significant traction online.
Gambhir stated that such content not only spreads misinformation but also damages his professional credibility and public image. He emphasized that the issue goes beyond personal harm, calling it a serious legal matter concerning dignity and the rights of public figures in the era of artificial intelligence.
The petition invokes provisions under the Copyright Act, Trade Marks Act, and Commercial Courts Act, seeking a permanent injunction to restrain any unauthorized use of his identity. It also calls for immediate interim relief to prevent further circulation of such content.
In addition to social media misuse, the plea highlights unauthorized commercial exploitation. Various e-commerce platforms have reportedly listed merchandise featuring Gambhir’s name and image without licensing or consent, raising further legal concerns.
Notably, Gambhir is not alone in this battle. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar had previously moved the Delhi High Court on similar grounds, underlining a growing trend of celebrities seeking legal recourse against digital impersonation.
The case reflects a broader challenge posed by deepfake technology, which uses artificial intelligence to create realistic but fake content. As such tools become more accessible, legal frameworks are increasingly being tested to safeguard identity and prevent misuse.
Gambhir’s move could set a significant precedent in defining personality rights and accountability in India’s evolving digital ecosystem.
