Freedom of speech cannot be used to run paid, orchestrated character assassination: Raghav Chadha's counsel on Delhi HC

In a media statement, Chadha's counsels, Satatya Anand and Nikhil Aradhe, said the order protected individuals from coordinated defamatory campaigns on social media.

"The order passed today by the Hon'ble Single Judge of the Delhi High Court is a welcome step as it directed takedown of defamatory content against Mr Chadha, thereby protecting individuals from organised defamatory content on social media. It reinforces the fact that freedom of speech cannot be used to run paid orchestrated campaigns of defamation and character assassination," the statement said.

The counsels further alleged that during the court proceedings, it was submitted that a coordinated and allegedly paid social media campaign had been carried out through multiple professional agencies to tarnish Chadha's public image and reputation.

According to the statement, material placed before the court indicated that defamatory posts were disseminated by several social media accounts and influencers allegedly publishing paid content engaged through influencer marketing agencies.

"The material placed before the Court demonstrated that defamatory posts, by several social media accounts and influencers publishing paid content, engaged by Influencer Marketing Agencies, were disseminated across numerous social media handles within minutes, reflecting a concerted and organised effort to amplify false narratives and cause irreparable reputational harm," the counsels said.

Describing the order as significant, the counsels said, "This order is an important step towards ensuring quick action against organised online defamation and protecting the dignity of public discourse."

The Delhi High Court passed the order while hearing Chadha's plea seeking protection of his personal rights against the allegedly defamatory social media campaign.

Justice Subramonium Prasad passed the order on Chadha's plea seeking urgent protection against the circulation of defamatory and AI-manipulated content online. While the detailed reasoning is awaited, the Court's directive marks a clear acknowledgement of Chadha's concerns over reputational harm.

Chadha had approached the High Court alleging that certain posts falsely suggested he had switched political allegiance for monetary gain. His counsel, Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayar, argued that the content went far beyond fair political criticism, amounting instead to malicious attacks on his character.

The Court agreed that the material crossed the line between legitimate criticism and defamation, ordering its removal. However, it clarified that the proceedings did not involve personality rights, a point that will be elaborated in the detailed order once uploaded.

Chadha's suit also highlights the growing threat of AI-generated deepfakes and manipulated visuals, which he claims were used to mislead the public and damage his reputation. The interim relief granted today is seen as a strong step in curbing such misuse of technology.

The full order, including the Court's reasoning and scope of directions to social media platforms, is awaited.

The case is among a growing number of matters before the Delhi High Court concerning the legal implications of artificial intelligence and the unauthorised use of the identities of public figures. The Court has, in previous cases, granted protection against the misuse of the names, voices and likenesses of celebrities through AI-generated and digitally manipulated content. (ANI)