The Delhi High Court has reserved its order on the interim relief sought by Aam Aadmi Party leader Raghav Chadha in his plea alleging misuse of his personality rights through AI-generated deepfakes, morphed visuals, and manipulated social media content. During the hearing on May 21, 2026, Justice Subramonium Prasad observed that the material placed before the court appeared more like criticism of political decisions than a direct violation of personality rights.
Court's Observations
Justice Prasad noted that political leaders have long faced satire and public criticism, and the line between defamation and criticism can be thin. The court emphasized the need to balance free speech and dignity in the era of artificial intelligence. It also indicated that it may appoint an amicus curiae to assist in examining the broader implications of the case.
Arguments by Raghav Chadha's Counsel
Chadha's counsel argued that the content in question went beyond legitimate criticism and amounted to defamatory attacks. Specifically, the counsel claimed that the manipulated content suggested Chadha changed political sides for monetary gain, which is a serious allegation that harms his reputation. The counsel urged the court to protect Chadha's personality rights in the digital age.
Context of the Case
The case highlights the growing challenge of deepfake technology and its impact on public figures. The Delhi High Court's decision to reserve orders indicates the complexity of the issues involved, including the intersection of technology, free speech, and individual rights. The court is expected to deliver its ruling on interim relief at a later date, potentially setting a precedent for similar cases in India.
