Bombay HC Says ‘Khamosh’ to Misuse: Protects Shatrughan Sinha’s Iconic Dialogue |

Updated: February 22, 2026 10:13

Image Source: Free Press Journal

The Bombay High Court has granted interim protection to veteran actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha, ruling that his trademark dialogue “Khamosh” is uniquely tied to his persona. The court barred unauthorized use of his name, image, voice, and likeness—including AI-generated content—reinforcing personality rights and curbing commercial exploitation on digital platforms.

In a landmark ruling that strengthens celebrity personality rights in India, the Bombay High Court has protected veteran actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha’s iconic dialogue “Khamosh”, barring its unauthorized use across digital and commercial platforms.

The interim order, delivered by Justice Sharmila Deshmukh, came in response to a plea filed by Sinha, who argued that his signature style and dialogue were being misused online without consent. The court recognized that “Khamosh” is not just a phrase but a defining element of Sinha’s public persona, closely associated with his decades-long career in cinema and politics.

Key highlights of the ruling include:

Exclusive linkage: The court ruled that “Khamosh” is uniquely tied to Shatrughan Sinha’s identity, making unauthorized use a violation of his personality rights.
Digital misuse curbed: Websites and platforms have been directed to remove content exploiting his name, image, voice, or likeness without permission.
AI-generated content barred: The order explicitly restrains the use of artificial intelligence to replicate or misuse Sinha’s persona, setting a precedent in the age of deepfakes and synthetic media.
Recognition of personality rights: The judgment underscores the growing importance of safeguarding celebrity attributes against exploitation for commercial gain, especially on social media and digital platforms.

Legal experts hailed the ruling as a significant step in protecting the intellectual and personality rights of public figures. By acknowledging the misuse of celebrity identities in digital spaces, the court has reinforced the principle that fame and recognition cannot be commercially exploited without consent.

For Shatrughan Sinha, whose commanding screen presence and trademark “Khamosh” have become cultural touchstones, the ruling is both a personal victory and a broader message about respecting individuality in the digital era.

The case also highlights the judiciary’s proactive stance in addressing challenges posed by emerging technologies like AI, ensuring that the law evolves to protect human identity and creativity.

With this order, the Bombay High Court has set a precedent that could influence future cases involving celebrity rights, digital content misuse, and AI-driven exploitation.

Sources: Mint, Mid-Day, PTI

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