Raghav Chadha cried foul over AI posts and the Delhi HC stepped in
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has directed the removal of five allegedly defamatory social media posts targeting former AAP MP and current BJP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, ruling that the content prima facie crossed the line between fair criticism and defamation.
In a significant legal relief for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, the Delhi High Court has ordered the removal of five allegedly defamatory social media posts, including content claimed to have been manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI).
The order was passed after Chadha approached the court seeking protection against what he described as a coordinated online campaign aimed at damaging his reputation through defamatory and AI-generated content.
Court finds some posts crossed the line
Justice Subramonium Prasad observed that the material identified by Chadha, at least prima facie, went beyond legitimate criticism and amounted to defamation.
The court directed the takedown of five specific posts while making it clear that the remaining content cited in the petition did not appear defamatory at this stage.
According to Live Law, the judge remarked: "There is no personality right involved. However, I have ordered take down of only five documents. Rest is not defamatory prima facie."
The court also clarified that the case does not involve personality rights, an issue that will be addressed in greater detail in the final order.
Chadha alleges organised online campaign
In his petition, Chadha argued that the circulation of defamatory and AI-manipulated material had caused serious harm to his reputation and public image.
His legal team, led by senior advocate Rajiv Nayar, claimed that the content was part of a coordinated and allegedly paid campaign involving multiple social media accounts, influencers and influencer marketing agencies.
According to the lawyers, defamatory posts were shared across numerous social media platforms within minutes of each other, suggesting a deliberate effort to amplify false narratives.
Following the order, Chadha's counsels described the decision as a welcome step in protecting individuals from organised online defamation.
They said the ruling reinforces that freedom of speech cannot be used to justify coordinated campaigns of defamation or character assassination.
Meta's response before the court
During the hearing, counsel representing Meta argued that several screenshots relied upon by Chadha consisted of newspaper reports or other material that was not defamatory.
After examining the submissions, the court ordered the removal of only those posts that it found to be prima facie defamatory.
The case comes amid increasing concerns over the use of artificial intelligence to create or manipulate content targeting public figures.
Legal experts say the Delhi High Court's order highlights the judiciary's growing willingness to intervene in cases where AI-generated or coordinated online campaigns are alleged to have caused reputational harm, while also balancing the constitutional right to free speech.