Big win for Raghav Chadha as Delhi HC directs takedown of defamatory content

New Delhi: In a significant legal victory for Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the removal of specific social media posts that it found to be prima facie defamatory, while refusing to grant a blanket order against all online content concerning him.

The order was passed by Justice Subramonium Prasad on Chadha's plea seeking protection against allegedly defamatory and AI-manipulated content circulating on social media platforms. Chadha had argued that the posts falsely portrayed him as having switched political allegiance for monetary gains, causing serious damage to his reputation.

During the hearing, the court held that only certain posts warranted removal after finding them to be prima facie defamatory. At the same time, it made it clear that the lawsuit did not involve personality rights and that not every instance of political criticism could be treated as defamatory.

According to reports, the court directed the removal of five specific social media posts, observing that the remaining content did not meet the threshold for interim takedown at this stage. The judge declined Chadha's request for a broader injunction that would have required platforms to remove all similar content or prevent future posts of a similar nature.

Chadha had approached the High Court contending that the circulation of fabricated and AI-generated content was harming his public image and personality rights. His counsel argued that the posts went beyond fair political criticism and amounted to a coordinated campaign of defamation.

Following the order, Chadha's legal team welcomed the decision, describing it as an important step in protecting individuals from organised defamatory campaigns on social media. They said the ruling reinforces the accountability of digital platforms in addressing content that harms an individual's reputation.

The case also highlights the growing legal challenges surrounding AI-generated and digitally manipulated content. As generative AI tools become increasingly accessible, courts are witnessing a rise in disputes involving misinformation, fabricated media and online defamation, prompting greater judicial scrutiny of digital platforms' responsibilities.

While the interim order provides immediate relief to Chadha by directing the removal of the identified posts, the main suit will continue before the Delhi High Court, where broader questions relating to online defamation and the legal treatment of AI-generated content are expected to be examined.