- Govinda issued a legal notice against false reports about his personal life, including marriage claims
- The notice warns media and platforms against sharing defamatory or manipulated content about Govinda
- No permission was given for AI or digital use of Govinda's voice, photos, or identity in private matters
Actor and former MP Govinda has been in the news for quite some time, courtesy of rumours regarding his personal life. Now, the actor has taken legal steps against what he describes as false and misleading reports about his personal life, including recent social media claims about an alleged court marriage.
What's Happening
A public notice issued on Govinda's behalf cautions the public, media organisations, digital platforms and content creators against creating, publishing, uploading, circulating or sharing any false, defamatory, malicious, fabricated or unverified material concerning the actor or his family.
The notice comes after claims surfaced online alleging that Govinda had secretly married Rani Swarnkar in a court ceremony. Earlier, reports about an alleged divorce involving Govinda had also circulated on social media and were subsequently described as untrue.
The notice specifically addresses digitally manipulated content, including photographs, videos, audio recordings, morphed images, deepfakes and AI-generated material. According to the notice, no permission has been granted to create, manipulate or use Govinda's voice, photographs, identity or likeness, particularly in connection with his private or family life, through AI or other digital technologies.
Legal action has been threatened under applicable laws relating to defamation, privacy violations, misuse of identity and cybercrime. The notice refers to provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Information Technology Act, 2000, and other relevant laws.
Govinda has also warned of civil claims of up to Rs 100 crore against those allegedly responsible for spreading such content. The notice further states that the actor may seek additional legal measures through the courts, including action involving bank accounts, restrictions on the sale or purchase of property and seizure of passports.
The notice also seeks action against YouTube channels and other social media accounts that are allegedly found to be deliberately publishing or circulating false and misleading information.
'Such Activities Could Cause Mental Harm'
Govinda has cited his past experiences to express concern that a deliberate campaign could be carried out to damage his public image. His side has claimed that such activities could cause mental and social harm.
The public notice is aimed at stopping the circulation of unverified reports about Govinda's personal life and warning individuals and platforms against publishing or sharing claims without proper verification.