Delhi High Court Bars AI Deepfakes, Unauthorised Use Of Preacher Aniruddhacharya’s Identity

The Delhi High Court has issued an ex parte and ad interim order in favour of spiritual preacher Aniruddhacharya, barring the unauthorised use of his identity through AI-generated content, deepfakes, and memes across online platforms. The order came following a petition by the preacher alleging widespread misuse of his persona by several defendants, including unidentified individuals.

According to his plea, Aniruddhacharya commands significant goodwill and global recognition as a spiritual orator, with a large following on platforms such as YouTube and Instagram. He also argued that his name, voice, appearance, distinctive speaking style, and even catchphrases are part of his legally protected personality and publicity rights.

He stated that several

parties were making his AI-generated videos, deepfakes, morphed visuals and memes that portrayed him misleadingly. Such content included fabricated endorsements, distorted versions of his sermons for humour, and digital impersonation, he alleged.

The Delhi High Court granted him interim relief and observed that the preacher had established a prima facie case and that, given his popularity and public standing, the balance of convenience lay in his favour.

“In case ex-parte ad-interim injunction and other directions, as sought, are not passed, irreparable loss and injury, which may occasion, may not be compensated in monetary terms. The apprehension of dent and damage to the image and personality of the plaintiff, prima facie, appears to be real and present,” the judge said.

The court also noted that disputed content could not be treated as mere parody and appeared to be disparaging while infringing upon Aniruddhacharya’s personality rights.

Accordingly, the court restrained the defendants from using, reproducing, or exploiting the preacher’s name, voice, likeness or persona without permission, including through AI or deepfake technologies. It further barred the creation and circulation of any material that falsely represents or impersonates him.

The court also directed Meta Platforms, XZ and Google to remove and block access to the identified infringing content. It allowed Aniruddhacharya to submit further links containing similar content for swift removal without the need to initiate fresh legal proceedings.