Delhi HC: Orders Takedown of Deepfake PM Modi Image

• The Delhi High Court ordered the immediate removal of an explicit deepfake image depicting a woman with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Justice Girish Kathpalia granted police protection to the woman and directed Meta to take down the AI-generated content from its platforms.
• The court issued notices to four CJP activists, Saurav Das, Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka, and Ratna Singh, accused of circulating the deepfake during a protest.
• Delhi Police confirmed an FIR was registered and was ordered to file a status report on actions taken within a week.
• The judge emphasized the case's significance, stating it concerned the Prime Minister, not just an individual, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

He articulated that the matter transcended the individual petitioner, directly impacting the country's Prime Minister.

The Delhi High Court recently issued a significant directive concerning the proliferation of deepfake content, specifically ordering the removal of an explicit AI-generated image depicting a woman alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This decisive action came after a woman sought legal recourse, alleging that the manipulated visual was disseminated during a protest organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The court, presided over by Justice Girish Kathpalia, moved swiftly to address the complaint, granting immediate police protection to the petitioner.

In a strong stance against the misuse of artificial intelligence, the Delhi High Court deepfake content removal order included explicit instructions to social media giant Meta. The platform was mandated to immediately take down the explicit AI photo from all its managed social media platforms. Concurrently, the court issued formal notices to the named CJP activists, signaling the initiation of legal proceedings against them.

Justice Girish Kathpalia deepfake ruling was accompanied by pointed remarks emphasizing the broader implications of the case. He articulated that the matter transcended the individual petitioner, directly impacting the country's Prime Minister. The judge declared his intent to ensure accountability, stating, "This is extraordinary position in which the matter is not of one lady, it is matter about the Prime Minister of the country. If they are not sensitive, I will make sure that they are sensitive." This judicial commentary underscores the heightened sensitivity surrounding deepfakes involving public figures in India.

Furthermore, the Delhi Police, represented by the Additional Standing Counsel, accepted notice in the case. They confirmed that a First Information Report (FIR) had already been registered the previous day and committed to taking action as expeditiously as possible. The court directed the police to submit a detailed status report within one week, outlining the precise steps taken in response to the deepfake circulation. The woman was represented by Advocate Umesh Chandra Sharma.

This ruling sets a significant precedent for urgent takedown orders against social media platforms like Meta explicit AI photo takedown directives, particularly when deepfake content targets public figures. The swift police protection deepfake victim India received, coupled with the court's direct orders to both law enforcement and technology companies, demonstrates a proactive judicial approach to combating AI-generated misinformation and harassment. It signals a clear message that such content, especially when involving national leaders, will be met with immediate and stringent legal action.

The court's emphasis on the Prime Minister's involvement elevates the case beyond a typical defamation or harassment complaint, positioning it as a matter of national concern. This judicial urgency is likely to influence how future deepfake cases are handled, potentially leading to more expedited legal avenues for victims and increased pressure on platforms to develop more robust content moderation policies. The CJP protest deepfake PM Modi incident thus becomes a landmark case in India's evolving legal landscape concerning digital ethics and AI accountability.

This ruling signals the Indian judiciary's proactive stance on deepfake content, particularly when public figures are involved, and establishes a precedent for urgent takedown orders against social media platforms like Meta. Lawyers should advise clients on the expedited legal avenues available for combating malicious AI-generated content and the increasing pressure on platforms to comply with such directives.

Source: Original reporting via legal news outlets