In a significant development highlighting the growing concerns around digital misuse, the Delhi High Court has ordered the removal of objectionable and fabricated content involving former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir from multiple social media platforms. Gambhir, who is currently serving as the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team, had approached the court seeking protection against the misuse of his identity through deepfake technology and unauthorised commercial exploitation.
The petition, which also seeks damages worth ₹2.5 crore, raised serious concerns about how Gambhir’s image, voice, and personality traits were being manipulated to create misleading content. Acting on the plea, the court indicated that it would direct major tech giants, including Meta, Google, and Amazon, to take down the flagged links.
Representing Gambhir, advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai stressed the real-world impact of such content, stating that it goes beyond mere online misinformation. He pointed out that certain deepfake videos falsely showed Gambhir resigning as India’s head coach following poor performances or even engaging in inappropriate behaviour with teammates.
WATCH – Jitesh Sharma Backs RCB To Retain IPL Title, Takes Dig At Other Teams’ Trophy Drought
“Some things have material consequences. Imagine the head coach of the Indian team and words are being put in his mouth through deepfake to say he is resigning from the team,” he argued. He further added, “His commercial value is proven. He has endorsements from large brands.”
Google, Meta And Amazon Directed To Remove Objectionable Posts Targeting Gautam Gambhir#bcci #gautamgambhir #cricketnews #meta https://t.co/Bw2V7nbUat
— News18 (@CNNnews18) March 26, 2026
The scale of the issue is alarming. One fabricated resignation video reportedly garnered over 2.9 million views, while another misleading clip crossed 1.7 million views. Beyond social media, the lawsuit also flags unauthorised merchandise being sold on platforms like Flipkart, using Gambhir’s identity without consent.
ALSO READ: Virat Kohli’s Explosive Practice Form Boosts RCB Ahead Of IPL 2026 Opener
In total, 16 entities—including tech platforms, e-commerce websites, and anonymous accounts—have been named in the suit. Gambhir, a two-time World Cup winner, strongly condemned the misuse of his identity.
“My identity – my name, my face, my voice – has been weaponised by anonymous accounts to spread misinformation,” he said. “This is not just personal hurt; it’s about dignity and legal protection in the age of AI,” he added.
