Raghav Chadha NEW DELHI: Delhi high court on Thursday reserved orders on the interim relief sought by Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha in his plea alleging misuse of his personality rights through AI-generated deepfakes, morphed visuals and manipulated social media content.The matter was heard by Justice Subramonium Prasad, who orally observed during the hearing that the content placed before the court appeared to be criticism of a political decision rather than a straightforward case of personality rights violation.Observing that political leaders have historically been subjected to satire and public criticism, the bench remarked, “From independence, we are seeing RK Laxman cartoons. At that point of time, probably social media had not gone to that extent today it has.”Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayar, appearing for Chadha, argued that several posts circulating online were not merely political criticism but defamatory and profane attacks portraying the MP as someone who switched political sides for monetary gain. Referring to certain images placed before the court, Nayar submitted, “He is shown in a saree. We are seeing PM distributing, showering money.”The bench, however, repeatedly questioned whether criticism aimed at a political leader’s public conduct or political choices could be restrained under personality rights law. Nayar argued that the matter also involved reputational harm and defamation. “They are saying I have gone for money. This can’t be fair criticism,” he submitted.During the hearing, Justice Prasad also indicated that the court may appoint an amicus curiae to assist on broader legal questions concerning the balance between free speech and protection of dignity in the age of artificial intelligence and social media.”There are cases and cases. The line between defamation and criticism is quite thin. It’s very easy to see it from the other side, which affects your right to live with dignity. At the same time, Article 19 right can’t be taken away,” the bench observed.Counsel appearing for Meta argued that several screenshots relied upon by Chadha were merely newspaper reports and otherwise benign material. After hearing arguments from all sides, the court reserved orders on the application seeking interim relief.Chadha has approached the Delhi high court seeking protection against alleged misuse of his image, likeness, voice and identity through artificial intelligence and digitally manipulated material circulated online.His plea seeks directions restraining the creation and dissemination of AI-generated deepfakes, morphed videos, synthetic voice clones, fabricated speeches and other allegedly deceptive content on social media platforms.The petition states that unauthorised use of his persona through AI tools is capable of misleading the public and damaging his reputation. Chadha, who earlier served as MLA from Delhi’s Rajinder Nagar constituency between 2020 and 2022, joined BJP in April 2026 after years with the Aam Aadmi Party.Speaking after the hearing, Advocate Satatya Anand, appearing in the matter, said that the plea sought immediate removal of allegedly defamatory content circulating online following Raghav Chadha’s recent political transition. He said multiple social media platforms and unidentified entities had been named as respondents in the case.”We are pressing for a stay on the content and removal of the content from the website… There are a lot of defamatory contents due to the political transition which has happened recently. These are orchestrated campaigns being run by several agencies… Meta, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Google, and unknown infringers are the respondents… The order has been reserved, it will be released in due course… The court said that yes it is defamatory but whether it will fall into the domain of personality rights is something which they will be deciding in the interim,” Anand said.The case forms part of a growing line of matters before the Delhi high court concerning personality and publicity rights in the age of artificial intelligence. Public figures including Anil Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan have previously secured protection against unauthorised use of their voices, likenesses and identities through AI-generated content.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRs 600 Crore Railway Land Clearance In Mumbai Triggers Violence During Eviction DriveBengal Orders Mandatory Singing Of ‘Vande Mataram’ In All Recognised Madrasahs Across StatePM Modi Returns From Europe, Calls Crucial Ministerial Meeting Amid West Asia CrisisTMC Faces Double Setback As MLAs Skip Protest And Councillors Resign In Two MunicipalitiesFalta Re-Poll Begins After Irregularities; Voters Say They Can Finally Vote Without FearTMC Alleges Post-Poll Violence, Harassment Of Workers During Kolkata ProtestModi-Meloni Talks Boost India-Italy Defence, IMEC And Technology Cooperation’India Won’t Tolerate Any Form Of Nuclear Blackmail’: Rajnath Singh In South KoreaWho Is Ryan Williams? Footballer Who Gave Up Australian Citizenship To Play For IndiaCongress To Join Tamil Nadu Cabinet After 59 Years As Vijay Expands TVK Government123Photostories10 ways to stay calm under pressure, as per psychologyThe best flowers, herbs, and vegetables to plant in June in the UKFrom Sapera to Irulas: Famous snake tribes of India and why they fascinate travellers from the world over6 beverages a Harvard doctor drinks to keep his gut healthyLove quote of the day by Maya Angelou: “First best is falling in love, second best is…”Kylie Jenner’s home is where old Hollywood glam meets neutral calm: Art inspirations to take away”Main khud ek karz…” When PM Narendra Modi thanked tea-garden workers and why he can’t enjoy chai like beforeWhy your feet suddenly swell after sitting too long and what your body may be trying to warn you about7 foods to always keep in the freezer and why7 shower design mistakes that can not just cause inconvenience but make your bathroom look cheap123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveUS Iran warIndian rupeeGold rate todayDelhi-NCR Taxi-Auto StrikeElon MuskGhaziabad Pacific Mall fireTop TrendingDelhi Airport AdvisoryIPL Match TodayPappu SanaPM ModiHardik PandyaRohit SharmaIPL Orange Cap 2026Conor McGregor Net WorthNEET UG Paper LeakWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana
NEW DELHI: Delhi high court on Thursday reserved orders on the interim relief sought by Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha in his plea alleging misuse of his personality rights through AI-generated deepfakes, morphed visuals and manipulated social media content.The matter was heard by Justice Subramonium Prasad, who orally observed during the hearing that the content placed before the court appeared to be criticism of a political decision rather than a straightforward case of personality rights violation.Observing that political leaders have historically been subjected to satire and public criticism, the bench remarked, “From independence, we are seeing RK Laxman cartoons. At that point of time, probably social media had not gone to that extent today it has.”Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayar, appearing for Chadha, argued that several posts circulating online were not merely political criticism but defamatory and profane attacks portraying the MP as someone who switched political sides for monetary gain. Referring to certain images placed before the court, Nayar submitted, “He is shown in a saree. We are seeing PM distributing, showering money.”The bench, however, repeatedly questioned whether criticism aimed at a political leader’s public conduct or political choices could be restrained under personality rights law. Nayar argued that the matter also involved reputational harm and defamation. “They are saying I have gone for money. This can’t be fair criticism,” he submitted.During the hearing, Justice Prasad also indicated that the court may appoint an amicus curiae to assist on broader legal questions concerning the balance between free speech and protection of dignity in the age of artificial intelligence and social media.“There are cases and cases. The line between defamation and criticism is quite thin. It’s very easy to see it from the other side, which affects your right to live with dignity. At the same time, Article 19 right can’t be taken away,” the bench observed.Counsel appearing for Meta argued that several screenshots relied upon by Chadha were merely newspaper reports and otherwise benign material. After hearing arguments from all sides, the court reserved orders on the application seeking interim relief.Chadha has approached the Delhi high court seeking protection against alleged misuse of his image, likeness, voice and identity through artificial intelligence and digitally manipulated material circulated online.His plea seeks directions restraining the creation and dissemination of AI-generated deepfakes, morphed videos, synthetic voice clones, fabricated speeches and other allegedly deceptive content on social media platforms.The petition states that unauthorised use of his persona through AI tools is capable of misleading the public and damaging his reputation. Chadha, who earlier served as MLA from Delhi’s Rajinder Nagar constituency between 2020 and 2022, joined BJP in April 2026 after years with the Aam Aadmi Party.Speaking after the hearing, Advocate Satatya Anand, appearing in the matter, said that the plea sought immediate removal of allegedly defamatory content circulating online following Raghav Chadha’s recent political transition. He said multiple social media platforms and unidentified entities had been named as respondents in the case.“We are pressing for a stay on the content and removal of the content from the website… There are a lot of defamatory contents due to the political transition which has happened recently. These are orchestrated campaigns being run by several agencies… Meta, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Google, and unknown infringers are the respondents… The order has been reserved, it will be released in due course… The court said that yes it is defamatory but whether it will fall into the domain of personality rights is something which they will be deciding in the interim,” Anand said.The case forms part of a growing line of matters before the Delhi high court concerning personality and publicity rights in the age of artificial intelligence. Public figures including Anil Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan have previously secured protection against unauthorised use of their voices, likenesses and identities through AI-generated content.
