Delhi HC Orders Removal of Alleged AI-Morphed Image of Woman With PM Modi

New Delhi, September 25, 2026: The Delhi High Court on Friday directed Meta Platforms to remove within 24 hours allegedly objectionable content involving an AI-generated image of a woman shown alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The court also directed the Delhi Police to provide protection to the woman, who approached the court alleging that her photograph had been digitally manipulated and circulated without her consent.

The petition was filed after the woman alleged that an image of her was obtained and altered using AI face-swapping technology during a protest associated with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar. According to the petition, the allegedly manipulated image was displayed on banners and subsequently circulated through social-media platforms.

The woman has named CJP activists Saurav Das, Abhijit Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka and Ratna Singh in the proceedings. These allegations remain allegations and have not been established by the court.

The petitioner also told the court that the alleged circulation of the manipulated material was followed by threatening messages, including threats of sexual violence and death. She sought urgent removal of the material from social-media platforms and other websites, along with protection from the police.

During the hearing, Justice Girish Kathpalia directed that the woman's residential address be kept confidential and shared only with the relevant police officials so that security arrangements could be made. The court also sought a status report from Delhi Police on the action taken in the case.

Delhi Police informed the court that an FIR had already been registered in connection with the complaint. Earlier reporting said the FIR was registered at the Cyber Police Station in New Delhi on September 24 under relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police have said the allegations are being investigated, including the creation, display and online circulation of the allegedly manipulated material.

The court's directions concern the immediate protection of the petitioner and removal of the allegedly objectionable material; they do not establish the petitioner's allegations against the named CJP activists. Notices have been issued to the concerned respondents, while the investigation and further proceedings remain pending.