Kumar Sanu files plea in Delhi High Court for protection of voice
Legendary playback singer Kumar Sanu has filed a plea in the Delhi High Court seeking protection of his personality and publicity rights. The singer has sought legal protection from unauthorised use of his name, voice, singing technique and likeness. Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora will hear the plea on October 13, which is a significant legal step for artists in the AI ​​era.
Singer seeks protection from AI misuse and voice cloning
In his plea filed through lawyers Shikha Sachdev and Sana Raees Khan, Kumar Sanu has raised the issue of misuse of his voice and images through AI-generated content. This includes GIFs, videos and voice clones being circulated on platforms like YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. The singer argues that such unlicensed use not only exploits his fame for profit but also risks misrepresenting his artistic identity.
Kumar Sanu’s legal team has invoked Section 38B of the Copyright Act, 1957, which protects the moral rights of artists. The petition accuses several unidentified individuals of creating AI-based products and videos that mimic his facial expressions and signature singing style. According to the petition, such work infringes on Sanu’s creative ownership and tarnishes his professional reputation through false endorsement.
The upcoming hearing in the Delhi High Court on October 13 comes after recent cases in which the court has upheld the identity rights of celebrities including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Karan Johar and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Kumar Sanu’s move comes at a time when AI-generated content is increasingly blurring the line between creativity and imitation. His petition aims to set a precedent for protecting the moral and creative rights of artists in India’s digital landscape.
The singer is seeking an injunction to prevent the unauthorized use of his image, voice and name for commercial gain. According to the petition, such AI-generated content generates online revenue for others through clicks and views, which amounts to false advertising and impersonation. The case, if settled, could redefine how intellectual property and personality rights are enforced for the public in India.
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