The Delhi High Court has ordered the removal of social media posts and online listings that falsely attribute statements to former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar and sell merchandise using his name without authorisation.
The direction was issued by Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora while hearing a personality rights suit filed by Gavaskar. He alleged that fabricated quotes were being circulated on digital platforms in his name and that unauthorised products, including memorabilia, were being sold by third parties, misleading the public and harming his reputation.
The Court noted that several of the impugned posts appeared to falsely present Gavaskar’s views on public and political issues, which could adversely affect his standing as a respected sports commentator and public figure.
As part of the interim relief, the Court instructed Meta and X (formerly Twitter) to ensure that the identified posts are taken down within a specified timeframe. If the account holders fail to remove the content, the platforms themselves have been directed to act. Online marketplaces have also been told to remove listings offering unauthorised goods bearing Gavaskar’s name or likeness.
The Court further permitted amendments to the case to include details of the individuals operating the infringing accounts, after relevant subscriber and technical information was placed on record.
The order underscores the growing judicial focus on protecting personality and publicity rights in the digital space, particularly against the spread of misleading content and commercial exploitation without consent.
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