Legal Battle for Identity Protection
Jackie Shroff's legal pursuit commenced on Tuesday, May 14, as he initiated legal proceedings against various entities for infringing upon his name, visuals, voice, and the endearing moniker 'Bhidu'.
Court Hearing and Potential Outcomes
Scheduled for a pivotal hearing on May 15, Jackie Shroff's case anticipates the issuance of an interim order post the forthcoming legal proceedings.
Advocate's Stand
Advocate Pravin Anand, representing Shroff, presented compelling arguments before the court. He highlighted instances of offensive meme usage featuring Shroff's images and unauthorized appropriation of his voice for similar purposes.
Plea for Protection
In his impassioned plea to the High Court, the veteran actor underscored the importance of safeguarding his persona. He asserted that his identity markers, including the names Jackie Shroff, Jackie, Jaggu Dada, and the cherished Bhidu, must not be exploited without explicit authorization across any platform.
Government Intervention
Additionally, Shroff's petition calls for governmental intervention, urging the Department of Technology and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) to take swift action in removing illicit links and websites violating his personality rights.
Precedent in Bollywood
Jackie Shroff's legal recourse echoes a trend within the Bollywood fraternity. Notably, last year witnessed Anil Kapoor's successful legal battle to safeguard his personality rights, culminating in victory this January. Consequently, Kapoor's identity elements, spanning from name and voice to catchphrases like 'jhakaas', now enjoy fortified legal protection.
Jackie Shroff's endeavor underscores the imperative of protecting celebrities' identity rights in the digital age, setting a precedent for legal recourse against unauthorized exploitation. As the legal saga unfolds, it signals a pivotal moment in defining the boundaries of identity protection in the entertainment realm.
