Delhi HC: Big B must appear in person at next hearing if personality rights settlement

Amitabh Bachchan must appear in person if settlement with defendants remains incomplete in personality rights case and to pursue remaining claims, directs Delhi High Court, grants time until November 16

The Delhi High Court has directed Amitabh Bachchan to appear personally at the next hearing if the settlement in his personality rights case remains incomplete and he wishes to pursue his claims. The court has granted the veteran actor additional time to complete the formalities of a settlement reached with some defendants through mediation.

Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav has listed the matter for November 16, 2026, while making it clear that Bachchan’s personal appearance will be required if the settlement does not materialise and he wants to continue with the suit.

Why the Delhi High Court directed Amitabh Bachchan to appear in person

According to ANI, the court passed the direction on October 9 after being informed that an amicable settlement had been reached with some defendants. However, the agreement could not be formally signed because of logistical issues on Bachchan’s side.

His counsel, advocate Dhruv Anand, sought additional time to complete the formalities and place the settlement agreement on record. The court granted the request and scheduled the next hearing for November 16.The court clarified that if the settlement remains incomplete or fails to materialise, Bachchan must be personally present if he wishes to pursue any of the claims or issues in the suit. The direction does not mean the entire case has been settled or dismissed; the proceedings remain pending.

What the court order says

The court’s order specifies the conditions under which Bachchan must appear at the next hearing. It states:“Time stands granted. List on 16.11.2026. In the event of non-settlement or incomplete settlement, if the plaintiff wishes to pursue the suit on any of the claims or issues, the plaintiff shall remain personally present on the next date of hearing, enabling the Court to exercise its powers under Order X Rule 2 read with Order V Rule 3 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, and Section 168 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.

”These provisions relate to the court’s powers concerning the examination and personal appearance of parties. The direction is conditional: if the settlement is completed, the situation may differ; if it is not, Bachchan must appear personally to pursue the unresolved claims.

Background of Amitabh Bachchan’s personality rights case

Bachchan approached the Delhi High Court in 2022 seeking a permanent injunction to protect his personality and publicity rights. On November 25, 2022, the court granted an ex parte ad-interim injunction in his favour, restraining unauthorised use of his personality attributes.The suit alleged that various individuals and entities were exploiting his name, image, voice and celebrity status without permission for commercial gain. The alleged misuse included the unauthorised association of his identity with lottery schemes and other activities, as well as the use of his persona by businesses and merchandise sellers. The actor sought legal protection against such exploitation.

Allegations of unauthorised use of his name, image and voice

The case centres on Bachchan’s request to prevent third parties from using identifiable elements of his persona without his consent.

His claims cover his name, likeness, voice and image, which he alleges have been used to promote goods, services and other commercial activities.The interim order granted in November 2022 provided him with protection while the suit proceeded. The subsequent mediation efforts have led to a settlement with some defendants, according to the latest court proceedings. However, the formal agreement still needs to be signed and placed on record, and the case remains pending in relation to any unresolved claims.

Lawyers representing Amitabh Bachchan and the defendants

Advocates Dhruv Anand, Dhananjay Khanna and Bhavya Verma appeared for Bachchan. Advocates Vinay Mohan Sharma, Tina Garg, M. K. Ghosh, Kushal Kumar and Rishabh Saxena represented certain defendants in the proceedings. The matter is scheduled to return to the Delhi High Court on November 16, 2026, when the status of the settlement and any remaining claims will be taken up.