Delhi High Court has given interim relief in the case of objectionable videos, photographs and social media posts created through Artificial Intelligence (AI) related to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The court clearly said that in the name of political satire and criticism, the dignity of a person, especially a woman, cannot be allowed to be insulted. A bench of Justice Manoj Jain gave this order while hearing the defamation petition filed by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and other parties. The court has directed the concerned parties to immediately remove the six disputed URLs.
Allegation of objectionable depiction in AI video
On behalf of the Chief Minister, it was argued in the court that in the AI ​​generated videos and photographs circulated on social media, she has been shown as a liquor seller, hawker and delivery agent. It has also reportedly been linked to the 'Har Har Rekha or Ghar Ghar Theka' scheme. In the petition, these materials were described as defamatory and damaging to his personal dignity and reputation. During the hearing, the High Court said that in a democracy, political parties have every right to criticize the policies, decisions and administrative actions of the government. Political satire and humor are also part of expression, but harming a person's dignity in the name of these cannot be acceptable.
The court has termed it unacceptable to hurt the dignity of a woman in the name of political satire. Besides, an order has also been given to remove the disputed URL. The matter pertains to videos and posts related to the Delhi unit of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the official social media accounts of the party. It is alleged that Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was shown as a liquor seller in AI-generated content shared on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). In these posts, he was allegedly linked to a scheme related to liquor sale.
The court, while granting interim relief to the Chief Minister, said that such material has the potential to harm his personal dignity and moral character. Attacking the dignity of a woman and a Chief Minister holding a constitutional post in this manner is a serious matter. The court of Justice Manoj Jain made this comment during the hearing of civil suit number CS(OS) 1019/2026. The case pertains to AI-generated objectionable videos and posts shared by the Delhi unit of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the party's official social media accounts as well as Facebook. In these videos, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was allegedly shown as a liquor seller.
Right to political criticism, but not compromising dignity
During the hearing, the High Court made it clear that in a democracy, any political party has the full right to criticize the policies, decisions and functioning of the government. Healthy criticism and political satire are an important part of democracy. However, it is not fair to harm a person's personal dignity and reputation under the guise of criticism. The court said that presenting the Chief Minister in a derogatory manner in a video prepared through AI technology cannot be considered acceptable political satire under any circumstances. Freedom of political expression does not mean that a woman's honor and moral character should be targeted.
Instructions to immediately remove six disputed URLs
The High Court directed defendants No. 3, 4 and 5 to remove all the six impugned URLs with immediate effect. Along with this, the court has issued summons to the defendants and directed them to file their written statement within 30 days of receiving the summons. In this case, the High Court has fixed December 4 for further hearing. Now further legal proceedings will take place based on the replies of the defendants and other facts related to the case.
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