Yuvraj Singh’s Legal Battle: Protecting Celebrity Rights in Real Estate Dealings

Posted On June 21, 2024

Former Indian cricketing star Yuvraj Singh has initiated legal proceedings against two Delhi-based real estate firms, M/s Brilliant Etoile Private Limited and M/s Uppal Housing Private Limited. The case revolves around issues of delayed possession of a residential unit, inferior quality of the property, and unauthorized use of Singh's personal brand and image for commercial purposes.

The Legal Grounds:

1. Breach of Contract and Damages:

Singh's legal notice demands adequate damages for the delay in completing the project and issuing the Letter of Possession, citing the absence of any reasonable cause or extension in the timeline. This is in accordance with the provisions of the Indian Contract Act, 1872, which allows for compensation for breach of contract.

2. Intellectual Property Rights and Right to Publicity:

The second legal notice addresses the alleged infringement of Singh's privacy rights and unauthorized commercial exploitation of his image, even after the expiration of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This violates Singh's Intellectual Property Rights, including his Copyright, Personality Rights, and Right to Publicity.

Relevant Landmark Judgment: In the case of ICC Development (International) Ltd. vs. Arvee Enterprises and Anr. (2003), the Delhi High Court recognized the "Right to Publicity" as a subset of the right to privacy and held that celebrities have a right to control the commercial exploitation of their identities.

3. Violation of Contractual Terms and Obligations:

Singh's legal representatives assert that the continued usage of his image and services breaches the agreed terms of the MoU, which specifically governed the extent and duration of his promotional commitments. This not only breaches contractual obligations but also exploits his personal brand value without due consent.

Relevant Section: Section 27 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872, states, "Every agreement, by which any party is restricted absolutely from enforcing his rights under or in respect of any contract, by the usual legal proceedings in the ordinary tribunals, or which limits the time within which he may thus enforce his rights, is void to that extent."

The outcome of these legal notices could set a precedent for similar cases involving celebrity endorsements and real estate transactions, emphasizing the need for clear and enforceable agreements between parties. It also highlights the importance of protecting the intellectual property rights and right to publicity of public figures, ensuring that their personal brand value is not exploited without proper consent and compensation. (Property News Time, 2024)