PM Modi Deepfake Images: Delhi High Court Orders Removal of Photos

The Delhi High Court on Friday directed the immediate removal of alleged deepfake images showing a woman alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi from social media platforms. The court also ordered police protection for the woman, who claimed she received threats after the images were allegedly circulated during a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar, according to a report.

The court issued notices to CJP leaders Saurav Das, Abhijit Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka and Ratna Singh in connection with the woman's allegations. The matter was taken up urgently after her lawyer told the court that an FIR had already been registered but the allegedly objectionable content remained online. Deepfake Misuse Case: Delhi Court Grants Bail to Man Accused of Posting AI-Morphed Image of PM Narendra Modi Bowing Before Shah Rukh Khan.

Court Orders Immediate Takedown

The High Court directed Meta Platforms to remove access to the allegedly objectionable content from its social media platforms within 24 hours, according to the court proceedings reported on Friday.

The court also directed the police to provide protection to the petitioner. Her exact residential address was not included in the petition, and the court directed that it be shared confidentially with the investigating officer and the concerned police station for security purposes. The case has been listed for further hearing on October 14. ‘PM Narendra Modi Is a Terrorist’: Mallikarjun Kharge Clarifies Remark on Prime Minister Modi, BJP Demands Apology.

Woman Alleges AI Face-Swapping

According to the petition, the woman alleged that her personal photograph was used without her consent and that AI-based face-swapping technology was used to place her face on a fabricated and objectionable image alongside the Prime Minister.

She further alleged that the image was displayed on banners during a CJP protest at Jantar Mantar and subsequently circulated through social media platforms and other online channels. These allegations are part of the petition and have not been established by the court.

The petitioner also claimed that the circulation of the images led to threats, prompting her request for police protection and immediate removal of the material.

FIR Already Registered

Delhi Police registered an FIR at its Cyber Police Station in New Delhi on Thursday following the woman's complaint. The case was registered under relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The woman, identified as Riddhima Sharma in the complaint, alleged that her photograph was digitally manipulated and used during the CJP protest. Police are investigating the creation, display and circulation of the alleged morphed material.

CJP Leaders Named in Petition

The petition names CJP leaders Saurav Das, Abhijit Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka and Ratna Singh as respondents. The woman has alleged that they were involved in the creation or circulation of the disputed material. The allegations against the individuals remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings. The High Court's notices seek their responses to the petition.

Court Stresses Sensitivity of Matter

During the hearing, the court observed that the matter involved not only the alleged victim but also the image of the Prime Minister. The court stressed the need for an appropriate police response and indicated that the circumstances warranted immediate attention. The court's directions focused on two immediate concerns — protecting the woman from alleged threats and restricting further circulation of the disputed online material.

Deepfakes and Legal Concerns

The case comes amid growing concerns over the use of artificial intelligence to manipulate photographs and create misleading or fabricated content. In this case, the allegations involve the unauthorised use of a person's photograph, alleged AI-based manipulation and subsequent online circulation. The ongoing police investigation and court proceedings will determine the facts and responsibility for the material.

For now, the Delhi High Court has ordered protective measures and the removal of the allegedly objectionable content while seeking responses from the named CJP leaders and other parties involved in the case.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 25, 2026 05:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).