Renowned singer Asha Bhosle, a stalwart in the music industry, has recently taken her fight for personal rights to the Bombay High Court, seeking legal protection against violations. In a significant ruling related to her petition, the court has delivered a noteworthy verdict that addresses these concerns. Here’s what you need to know about this important case.
Entertainment Desk, New Delhi. Asha Bhosle, a celebrated figure in the music industry for many years, has received a temporary reprieve from the Bombay High Court regarding infringements on her personality rights. The court has issued an order prohibiting Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms and other entities from generating clones of her voice or exploiting her name, image, and other personal attributes for commercial gain without her consent.
In her petition, Asha Bhosle brought forth concerns regarding violations of her personality rights against multiple digital platforms, including a specific company, which prompted the High Court’s critical ruling.
High Court Ruling on Asha Bhosle’s Petition
As reported by legal sources, Justice Arif S. Dr. articulated that the unauthorized use of personal attributes of a celebrity—such as their name, voice, images, or likeness—constitutes a breach of their rights. The court emphasized the importance of protecting these aspects of a celebrity’s identity and stated,
Utilizing an AI tool to replicate a person’s voice into that of a celebrity without obtaining prior permission amounts to a violation of the celebrity’s personality rights. Such technologies encourage the misuse and alteration of an individual’s voice, which is a crucial element of their personal identity and public persona.
Allegations Against Various Companies
The 91-year-old singer has accused numerous e-commerce platforms and individuals, including two AI companies—Mike Inc. and others—of producing unauthorized clones of her voice. Additionally, she has named Amazon Seller Services Private Limited and Flipkart Internet Private Limited for allegedly using her image on promotional materials without her consent. Her petition encompasses complaints against several prominent companies.
Referencing similar cases involving celebrities like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Arijit Singh, the court acknowledged the infringement of personality rights through the unauthorized use of a celebrity’s attributes. The next hearing for this case is slated for October 13, 2025.
