The Delhi High Court has directed the removal of six social media URLs containing allegedly defamatory AI-generated videos, images and posts depicting Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta as a liquor vendor. Justice Manoj Jain observed that political criticism and satire cannot cross the limits of permissible expression by attacking an individual's dignity. The Court passed the interim order in Rekha Gupta's defamation suit against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and others.
Background
Rekha Gupta approached the High Court seeking a permanent injunction restraining the defendants from publishing and circulating allegedly defamatory AI-generated deepfake content. She also sought damages.
The suit concerned videos, images and posters published through AAP's official and verified social media accounts. According to the plaintiff, the material portrayed her as a liquor vendor, hawker and delivery agent and associated her with a fictitious scheme called 'Har Har Rekha or Ghar Ghar Theka'.
The plaintiff also pointed out that one video involving her and Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister had been circulated widely on social media.
Justice Manoj Jain acknowledged that political leaders must tolerate criticism and satire in a democratic society. However, the Court emphasised that such freedom has limits when an individual's dignity is attacked.
The Court observed:
"Satire may though hurt conscience of any individual but it cannot be permitted to create irreparable wound on someone’s dignity. In the garb of freedom of speech and expression and under the disguise of humour and satire, no one can be permitted to be reduced to an object of ridicule and insult."
The Court further observed:
"Admittedly, any political party is entitled to criticize any governmental policy or decision or administrative action of the government but in the garb of expression of disapproval of any such policy, the offensive portrayal of Chief Minister, with the assistance of AI-generated videos, hurting her very dignity can, by no stretch of imagination, be said to be in the realm of permissible political satire."
It also noted that AI-generated videos and posts had crossed the boundary of healthy criticism and satirical humour.
Finding a prima facie case in the plaintiff's favour and holding that the balance of convenience also supported her, the Court directed defendants Nos. 3, 4 and 5 to immediately take down the six URLs identified in the plaint.
The Court issued summons to all defendants and listed the matter for further consideration on December 4, 2026.
