In a decisive move against the digital distortion of identities, the Delhi High Court has stepped in to shield the personality rights of spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, barring the circulation of deepfake and AI-generated videos built around his likeness.
Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, issuing an interim injunction, restrained unknown online actors from exploiting Ravi Shankar’s name, voice, image, and even his distinctive manner of speech. The Court made it clear—unauthorized manipulation of these attributes, whether for profit or mischief, cannot continue.
The order followed Ravi Shankar’s plea after fabricated clips surfaced in recent months. These AI-generated videos allegedly depicted him endorsing dubious remedies for serious ailments and attributing miraculous scientific claims to his name. According to submissions before the Court, such digital fakes risked misleading the public while tarnishing the spiritual guru’s reputation built over decades.
“The misuse of one’s persona through deepfake technology causes irreparable harm,” the Court observed, stressing that Ravi Shankar’s identity must remain within his control.
The injunction now prevents the circulation of any manipulated content that mimics his image, voice, or personal style. Ravi Shankar had argued that his personality rights were being directly violated, and the Court agreed, recognizing the gravity of unauthorized AI-driven impersonation.
With the order in place, the digital exploitation of his persona has hit a legal wall—at least for now.