Delhi High Court Orders Amitabh Bachchan to Appear in Person for Personality‑Rights Case

The Delhi High Court ordered veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan to appear in person if he wants to continue his personality‑rights suit. A bench led by Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav issued the direction on Friday after both sides told the court that a November 2022 ex‑parte injunction had already protected his rights but the parties were trying to settle through mediation. The parties said they had reached amicable settlements with some defendants, but logistical issues on Bachchan’s side prevented a formal signing. His counsel, Dhruv Anand, asked for more time to complete the paperwork. The court granted an extension until 16 November 2026 and warned that if the settlement remains incomplete, the actor must be present at the next hearing to pursue any claim. The order cited Order X Rule 2 with Order V Rule 3 of the Civil Procedure Code and Section 168 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023. Bachchan’s original 2022 suit alleged that mobile‑app developers used his name, image and voice to run illegal lotteries tied to the TV show Kaun Banega Crorepati, and he also sought restraining orders against book publishers, T‑shirt sellers and other businesses. In November 2022, Justice Navin Chawla had granted an interim injunction, noting that defendants were exploiting the actor’s celebrity without permission and could cause irreparable loss and disrepute. ## Context The case highlights how Indian courts protect a celebrity’s personality rights, which cover the commercial use of a public figure’s name, image or voice. Personal appearance is often required when a settlement cannot be finalized, ensuring the plaintiff’s case is properly presented.