Case Background :
In a significant digital era ruling the Delhi High court dealt with a case where yog Guru Swami Ramdev alleged that AI generated deepfake videos were misusing hus name , face , voice speaking style and identity traits without consent. fIled as commercial suit CS(COMM)147/2026 , the plea claimed and mislead the public into believing endorsed them .
What the Court observed ?
Justice Jyoti Singh held that such unauthorised AI content prima facie violates personality and publicity rights . The court stressed the deepfakes are not just technical manipulations – they can damage reputation, decive consumers and distort public trust . Impartiality, it clarified a constitutional Balance” Freedom of speech does not include the right to impersonate some one “ This reflects the interplay between Article 19(1)(a) and 19(2) , along with Article 21
Why the acts Alleged are not just wrong ?- They are illegal
The conduct described in the petition can attract multiple cyber crime and criminal provisions simultaneously ;
Section 66 C – Identity theft for using someone digital persona .
Section 66 D – Cheating by personation through computer resources .
Section 66 E – Violation of privacy by publishing image , voice without consent.
Section 67 – applies if conduct is obscene.
The court immediate Directions.
Finding urgency the court issued an Interim John doe orders restraining unknown persons from :
Creating or circulating AI Deepfakes involving him.
Using his identity for advertisements or product promotions.
Exploiting his persona commercials .
It also directed platforms such as Google , Mera and X to remove specified URLs within 72 Hours consistent with Intermediary obligation under IT Rules 2021 .
The court allowed limited for these hearing where some links claimed parody or satire protection , showing judicial cautions not to suppress legitimate expressions .
