Subheading: The Delhi High Court has directed Meta to remove the alleged morphed images within 24 hours and ordered police protection for the woman who said she received threats after the images were circulated.
Court Orders Immediate Removal From Meta Platforms
The Delhi High Court on Friday directed Meta Platforms to remove within 24 hours objectionable social-media content featuring an allegedly morphed image of a woman alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The order came after the woman approached the court seeking removal of the alleged AI-generated and manipulated images, which she said were circulated online after being displayed during a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
Justice Girish Kathpalia also directed the Delhi Police to provide the woman with protection after she told the court that she had received threats and abusive messages following circulation of the material.
Woman Alleges Her Photograph Was Manipulated Using AI
According to the woman’s plea and police complaint, her personal photograph was allegedly obtained without her consent and manipulated using AI-based face-swapping technology.
She alleged that her face was superimposed onto an explicit and compromising image alongside the Prime Minister. The woman further alleged that the image was displayed on banners during a Cockroach Janta Party protest at Jantar Mantar and later circulated through social-media platforms.
The allegations have not been established by the court, and the police investigation is continuing.
Notices Issued to CJP Leaders
The High Court also issued notices to Cockroach Janta Party leaders Saurav Das, Abhijit Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka and Ratna Singh following the woman’s allegations that they were involved in circulating the alleged morphed images.
The respondents will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations as the proceedings continue. The court has listed the matter for further hearing on October 14.
Police have not, at this stage, established that the named individuals created or circulated the alleged images. The FIR registered in connection with the complaint initially identified the accused as unknown persons, according to reports.
Delhi Police Asked to Protect the Woman
The court directed the investigating officer to obtain the woman’s residential address and immediately communicate it to the jurisdictional police station.
The local police station was instructed to provide her protection in an appropriate manner. The court also sought a status report on the investigation within one week.
The protection order came after the woman told the court that the circulation of the alleged manipulated images had resulted in threats to her safety.
FIR Already Registered
Delhi Police had registered an FIR at its Cyber Police Station in New Delhi following the woman’s complaint.
According to police reports, the case was registered under relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Police said the woman had submitted photographs and videos that she claimed showed the alleged manipulated image being displayed and circulated. Investigators are examining the creation, public display and online distribution of the material.
Court Highlights Broader Concerns Over Online Content
During the hearing, Justice Kathpalia described the matter as an “extraordinary” situation, noting that the case involved allegations concerning both the woman and the Prime Minister.
The court’s directions place immediate emphasis on removing the allegedly objectionable material while the underlying allegations are investigated.
The case also highlights the growing legal challenges surrounding AI-generated and manipulated images, particularly when personal photographs are allegedly used without consent and circulated widely online.
Meta Given 24-Hour Deadline
The court directed that its order be transmitted to Meta along with the relevant web links so the company could identify and remove the specified content.
The removal direction applies to the objectionable material identified in the proceedings and does not constitute a finding that every related post or account is unlawful.
The court’s order is therefore focused on the immediate removal of the alleged manipulated content while the police investigation and judicial proceedings continue.
Wider Debate Over AI and Deepfakes
The case comes as AI-generated and manipulated images become an increasingly important legal and social issue in India.
Deepfake technology can alter a person’s face or appearance in existing photographs and videos, potentially creating material that appears authentic despite being digitally manipulated.
The Delhi case illustrates one of the difficulties faced by victims: even after an image is reported, copies can quickly spread across multiple social-media accounts and platforms.
Conclusion
The Delhi High Court has ordered Meta to remove alleged morphed images of a woman shown alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi within 24 hours, while directing Delhi Police to provide protection to the woman after she reported receiving threats.
The court has also issued notices to four CJP leaders named in the woman’s petition. The allegations against them remain allegations at this stage, while the police investigation continues.
The case is now scheduled for further hearing on October 14 and could become another significant judicial examination of the use of AI-generated content, privacy, online abuse and the responsibilities of social-media platforms.