FIR filed over PM Modi deepfake image; Delhi HC to hear case today

The Delhi High Court has scheduled an emergency hearing today to examine a criminal petition demanding the immediate takedown of a purported deepfake photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The court's decision to fast-track the case underscores growing concerns about synthetic media and its potential misuse for spreading misinformation. An FIR has been registered against several individuals named in connection with the creation and circulation of the image, though specific charges were not immediately detailed. The case highlights the increasing legal and technological challenges posed by deepfake technology in India, where digital manipulation has emerged as a significant concern for law enforcement and the judiciary. The high court's urgent intervention reflects the seriousness with which Indian courts are treating offences related to fabricated media content, particularly when involving high-ranking government officials. As deepfake technology becomes more sophisticated and accessible, regulatory bodies and courts across the country have been grappling with appropriate legal frameworks to address such violations.