The Delhi High Court has restrained unidentified persons from creating or circulating AI-generated deepfake videos of Aniruddha Bapu. Social media platforms have been directed to remove fake content within 48 hours and disclose details of responsible accounts.
In a significant order addressing the growing misuse of artificial intelligence, the Delhi High Court has granted interim relief to spiritual leader Dr Aniruddha Dhairyadhar Joshi, popularly known as Aniruddha Bapu, and restrained unknown persons from creating or circulating AI-generated deepfake content using his name, voice, image and likeness.
Justice Tushar Rao Gedela passed the ex-parte ad-interim injunction in the case titled Aniruddha Dhariyadhar Joshi Vs John Does, after hearing the submissions made on behalf of the spiritual leader.
The suit was filed against unidentified individuals (John Doe defendants) and various social media platforms for allegedly allowing the large-scale circulation of fabricated videos and images impersonating him.
While granting protection, the Court observed:
“In the considered opinion of this Court, the plaintiff has a, prima facie, strong case and having regard to his well-known, popular and well-accepted personality, the balance of convenience is tilted in favour of the plaintiff. In case an ex-parte ad-interim injunction and other directions, as sought, are not passed, irreparable loss and injury which may occasion, may not be compensated in monetary terms,”
According to the plaint, Dr Joshi is a respected spiritual and social leader who has delivered more than 1,400 discourses since 1995 and has a large following in India and abroad. He argued that his name, voice, image, speaking style and overall personality are uniquely identifiable and protected under personality and publicity rights, which are recognised under constitutional principles of privacy and free speech.
The suit alleged that unidentified persons were using advanced AI tools to generate deepfake videos and audio clips that falsely appeared to be created or endorsed by him. These videos were circulated widely online, misleading his followers and damaging his reputation.
The Court took serious note of the fact that the deepfake videos had received millions of views. Many viewers reportedly expressed gratitude and sought spiritual guidance, believing the content to be genuine. The plaintiff further stated that such fabricated material was also being used to promote products and content for financial benefit by falsely suggesting his endorsement.
After examining the material placed on record, the High Court held that Dr Joshi had successfully established a prima facie case. It also observed that damage to reputation and goodwill cannot always be compensated by money.
Accordingly, the Court restrained the John Doe defendants from using Dr Joshi’s name, voice, image, likeness or speaking style, including through AI-generated or deepfake content, for any purpose or financial gain without proper authorisation.
The Court also issued directions to major technology platforms including Google, Meta Platforms and X. These platforms have been directed to remove or disable access to the identified infringing content and any similar material within 48 hours of receiving a complaint from the plaintiff.
In addition, the platforms have been directed to disclose basic subscriber details of the accounts responsible for uploading such content within three weeks, in accordance with applicable law.
The matter has now been listed before the Joint Registrar on April 29 for completion of pleadings and before the Court on August 25 for further hearing.
Senior Advocate Rajshekhar Rao appeared for the plaintiff along with a legal team from Argus Partners comprising R Sudhinder (Senior Partner), Ekta Bhasin (Counsel) and Anand Amit (Associate).
The Union of India was represented by Central Government Standing Counsel Dhananjay Rana. Google was represented by Aditya Gupta and Vani Kaushik, while Meta Platforms was represented by Varun Pathak and Yash Karunakaran.
This order marks an important development in Indian jurisprudence on AI-generated deepfakes and personality rights. It sends a clear message that misuse of artificial intelligence tools to impersonate public figures can attract strict judicial scrutiny and immediate injunctive relief, especially where reputation, public trust and financial exploitation are involved.
Case Title:
Aniruddha Dhariyadhar Joshi Vs John Does
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