Defamation – Delhi High Court Directs Removal of Five Defamatory Posts on MP Raghav Chadha
Defamation – The Delhi High Court has ordered the removal of five online posts that it found to be prima facie defamatory against BJP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha. The court’s decision came after Chadha approached the judiciary, alleging that manipulated digital material falsely suggested he had accepted money after leaving the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, the court declined to issue a wider order covering all disputed content or grant broader protection under personality rights.
Court Limits Relief to Specific Online Posts
The matter was heard by a single-judge Bench led by Justice Subramonium Prasad, who observed that only five identified online posts appeared to be defamatory at first glance. Accordingly, the court directed their removal. At the same time, the judge clarified that the remaining material submitted by Chadha did not, on a preliminary review, justify similar action.
The court also concluded that the dispute was not primarily related to personality or publicity rights. Justice Prasad noted that the case revolved around allegations of defamation rather than any unlawful use of Chadha’s identity that would attract protection under personality rights.
Petition Raised Concerns Over AI-Generated Content
In his petition before the High Court, Chadha sought legal protection against what he described as the unauthorized use of his name, image, likeness and identity across multiple online platforms. The plea specifically referred to AI-generated content, deepfakes, morphed images, synthetic voice recordings and fabricated speeches that were allegedly circulated after his political shift from AAP to the BJP.
According to the petition, these digitally manipulated materials were intended to damage his public reputation by spreading misleading claims and presenting fabricated visuals and audio clips as genuine.
Earlier Hearings Focused on Political Criticism
While reserving its decision on the interim application in May, the court had already expressed reservations about treating the dispute as one involving personality rights. During those proceedings, Justice Prasad had remarked that the online content appeared, at least on a preliminary basis, to reflect criticism of a political decision rather than misuse of an individual’s personality.
The court further observed that criticism of actions taken in the political arena is different from violations of personality rights, although it acknowledged that distinguishing between criticism and defamation can sometimes be challenging.
Lawyer Argued Some Posts Crossed Legal Limits
Senior advocate Rajiv Nayar, representing Chadha, argued that several social media posts went beyond ordinary political criticism. He told the court that certain manipulated images and messages falsely portrayed the MP as having “sold himself for money,” which, according to the petition, harmed his reputation.
Among the examples highlighted were edited images allegedly showing the Prime Minister showering Chadha with cash, along with other digitally altered visuals. Nayar requested interim relief for the removal of such content, maintaining that these posts were offensive, misleading and defamatory.
Court Suggests Appropriate Legal Route
During the hearings, Justice Prasad pointed out that Chadha’s petition had been filed as a case concerning personality rights rather than defamation. The judge observed that if the intention was to pursue claims of defamation, the pleadings might need to be amended accordingly.
The latest order reflects that distinction. While the court found sufficient grounds to direct the removal of five allegedly defamatory posts, it declined to extend similar protection to all the content challenged in the petition. The proceedings underline the growing legal scrutiny surrounding AI-generated and digitally manipulated material, particularly when it involves public figures and political discourse.