Delhi High Court Grants John Doe Injunction Shielding Raj Shamani’s Persona From AI Misuse

Overview

• Justice Manmeet P. S. Arora on November 17 issued an ad‑interim, ex‑parte john doe injunction restraining unknown entities, online portals, a YouTube channel and a company from using Raj Shamani’s name, likeness, voice or image, including via AI or deepfakes.
• Platforms including Meta, Google, YouTube and Telegram were directed to block or remove infringing posts and videos, with basic subscriber information to be disclosed for anonymous uploaders.
• The court recognized protectable publicity rights and held Shamani’s “Figuring Out” podcast is covered by the Copyright Act, while restraining unauthorized use of the registered FIGURING OUT trademark and reposting of his content.
• Shamani’s plaint has been registered as a suit seeking permanent injunctions for trademark infringement, passing off, copyright infringement, misappropriation of personality rights, performers’ rights and related relief.
• Procedurally, the case is listed before the Joint Registrar on December 24, 2025, and returns to the Bench on April 24, 2026, with the record noting deepfakes, fake booking portals, impersonation bots and false endorsements.