Delhi HC directs removal of YouTuber Bhuvan Bam’s images shared without consent
The court refrained from delivering an immediate decision on the broader matter of Bhuvan Bam’s personality rights
Pitch Feature
On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court directed the removal of images of YouTuber and actor Bhuvan Bam that had been circulated without his consent across various platforms. While the court did not deliver a ruling on the broader issue of personality rights, Justice Jyoti Singh noted that the matter would be examined in detail, with further hearings scheduled for February.
Bam’s case highlights a growing concern in India’s creator economy: the unauthorised use of a creator’s name, image, voice, or likeness by individuals and organisations. The petition contended that such use infringes on registered trademarks, copyrights, and other intellectual property owned by Bam and his company, BB Ki Vines, and cautioned that commercial misuse could mislead the public.
“Creators build their brand with talent, time, and trust,” Bam and BB Ki Vines stated, adding that unauthorised commercial exploitation undermines the value of a creator’s persona.
Bhuvan Bam, who has over 26.6 million YouTube subscribers, launched BB Ki Vines in 2015. The channel, known for its short, character-driven sketches performed by Bam himself, has garnered a massive following. The court’s order provides interim relief while the broader legal questions around personality rights continue to be considered.
