New Delhi, September 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Delhi High Court’s recent intervention in a case involving an alleged AI-generated deepfake image of a woman alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought into focus the increasingly serious risks posed by artificial intelligence in political campaigns and protests.
A woman has accused Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das, Abhijit Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka and Ratna Singh of using her photograph to create and circulate an alleged vulgar deepfake image featuring her with the Prime Minister. She has also alleged that the image was displayed during a CJP protest at Jantar Mantar and subsequently circulated online. The allegations have not been established by the court.
The Delhi High Court has issued notices to the four CJP leaders and directed Meta Platforms to remove the objectionable content. It also ordered police protection for the woman, who has alleged that she received threats after the images were circulated. An FIR had already been registered in connection with the allegations.
The case raises a larger question about the use of deepfake technology in political activity. Artificial intelligence can now manipulate photographs, videos and audio with increasing sophistication, making it difficult for ordinary users to distinguish fabricated material from genuine content.
The woman’s petition alleges that her photograph was obtained without authorisation during a CJP protest and that AI-based face-swapping tools were used to create the alleged image. She has further alleged that the content was circulated through social media and other online platforms. The respondents will have an opportunity to present their side as the proceedings continue.
The controversy comes against the backdrop of the CJP’s 36-day agitation at Jantar Mantar over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. The protest was called off in July after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned and the Centre agreed to demands including withdrawal of FIRs against protesters and compensation for families of students who died by suicide following the examination controversy.
The CJP has emerged as a youth-led political pressure group, with its leaders openly engaging in political issues and protests. Its activities have also generated debate over the methods used by emerging political movements to mobilise support and challenge the establishment.
The latest controversy illustrates how the battle for political influence is increasingly extending into the digital space. Criticism of political opponents is an established part of democratic discourse, but allegations involving non-consensual manipulated images raise questions about privacy, dignity and accountability.
The issue is not confined to one political group. In September 2025, the Bihar Congress shared an AI-generated video depicting characters resembling Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother, Heeraben Modi. The video triggered a political controversy, with the BJP accusing Congress of insulting the Prime Minister and his mother.
There have also been instances in which deepfakes have targeted political figures themselves. In May 2026, fact-checkers found a viral video purporting to show External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar making remarks about the CJP to be AI-manipulated. The original press conference did not contain the statements attributed to him.
These episodes point to a broader challenge for politics in the AI era: how to preserve legitimate political criticism while preventing fabricated content from being used to damage the reputation, privacy or dignity of individuals.
The Delhi High Court’s directions in the present case underline the need for timely action when alleged deepfakes cause harm. As political communication becomes increasingly dependent on social media, the question of where to draw the line between political expression and digitally manufactured personal attacks is likely to become more prominent.
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