AI can now clone a famous voice from a few samples. When tools did exactly that to singer Arijit Singh, the Bombay High Court stepped in — protecting his personality rights against unauthorised AI exploitation.
The case
In Arijit Singh v. Codible Ventures LLP, the court addressed the unauthorised use of celebrity attributes through AI. As it framed it, “personality rights… the protection of an individual’s identity, privacy, and dignity, are foundational to safeguarding personal independence in both physical and digital worlds.”
What Arijit Singh sought to protect: his name, voice, vocal style, singing manner, image and signature — including a claim under Section 38B (performers’ moral rights) of the Copyright Act, 1957.
The infringing conduct:
- AI-generated fake voice recordings;
- false association representations;
- merchandise using his name and likeness;
- GIFs and infringing domain names.
What the court held
Justice R.I. Chagla found a prima facie case for a temporary injunction, recognising that celebrities have protectable personality rights, and citing Karan Johar v. Indian Pride Advisory and Anil Kapoor v. Simply Life India.
Critically, the court flagged the AI-specific danger: “AI tools enabling unauthorized replication of a celebrity’s voice could undermine their ability to control and protect their identity.”
The orders:
- Restrain the defendants from using the plaintiff’s attributes without consent;
- Lock/suspend associated domain names and remove infringing content; and
- Cease merchandise sales and brand endorsements using his personality traits.
Why it matters
- Personality rights now expressly cover AI cloning. Voice, style and likeness are protectable against generative-AI misuse, not just traditional impersonation.
- It builds a line of authority — after Anil Kapoor and Karan Johar, this is a clear step in Indian celebrity-rights jurisprudence.
- Performers’ moral rights add teeth. Section 38B gives performers a further hook against distortion/misuse of their performances.
- Domains and merchandise are in scope — relief extends across the whole exploitation chain.
Frequently asked questions
Are celebrity personality rights protected against AI in India? Yes — the Bombay High Court in Arijit Singh v. Codible protected a celebrity’s name, voice and likeness against unauthorised AI replication.
What attributes are protected? Name, voice, vocal style, singing manner, image and signature — plus performers’ moral rights under Section 38B.
What relief did the court grant? An injunction against unauthorised use, suspension of infringing domains, removal of content, and a stop to unauthorised merchandise and endorsements.
Which earlier cases support this? Anil Kapoor v. Simply Life India and Karan Johar v. Indian Pride Advisory, on which the court relied.
Legislation referred to
- The Copyright Act, 1957