The Delhi High Court has given relief to spiritual leader Dr Aniruddha Dhairyadhar Joshi, also known as Aniruddha Bapu, by stopping unknown persons from creating or sharing AI-generated deepfake content using his name, voice, or image.
Joshi alleged that unknown persons used AI tools to create deepfake videos and audio clips that falsely appeared to be made or endorsed by him. These fake contents, he said, misled his followers and damaged his reputation.
The Court noted that the videos had received millions of views, with viewers thanking Joshi and seeking guidance, believing the content to be genuine. It was also alleged that the material was used to promote products and content for financial gain by falsely suggesting Joshi’s endorsement.
After hearing the parties, the Court held that Joshi had made out a prima facie case and that the harm to his reputation could not be compensated with money.
The Court restrained the John Doe defendants from using Joshi’s name, voice, image, likeness or speaking style, including through AI-generated or deepfake content, without authorisation. It also directed Google, Meta and X to take down the identified infringing content and similar material within 48 hours of receiving a complaint.
The platforms were further directed to share basic subscriber details of the accounts involved within three weeks.
The matter will next be heard by the Joint Registrar on April 29 for completion of pleadings and later by the Court on August 25.
Joshi was represented by Senior Advocate Rajshekhar Rao, along with a legal team from Argus Partners.
The Union of India was represented by Central Government Standing Counsel (CGSC) Dhananjay Rana.
Google was represented by Aditya Gupta and Vani Kaushik.
Meta Platforms were represented by Varun Pathak and Yash Karunakaran.