Delhi High Court’s Directive on AI Video Controversy
The Delhi High Court has mandated the removal of AI-crafted videos that allegedly link Saleem Iqbal Shervani, a prominent Samajwadi Party leader and former union minister, to the rise of gangster Atiq Ahmed in Allahabad. The ruling, delivered on Tuesday by Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, specifically instructs Meta to eliminate the contentious content from both Facebook and Instagram.
Judicial Action Against Digital Defamation
The videos, produced by Jan Chaupal Post, claim that Shervani played a role in enabling Ahmed’s criminal activities. Justice Gedela’s order prevents Jan Chaupal Post and another involved social media account from further disseminating the videos until the court issues additional instructions.
Justice Gedela emphasized, “It appears appropriate to direct the defendant number 1 [Meta] to take down the following URLs… within 36 hours. Defendants 2 and 3 are restrained from republishing or publishing the videos until further orders.”
Background on Saleem Iqbal Shervani
Shervani has a notable political career, having served five terms as a Member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh. Between 1996 and 1997, he held the position of Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, followed by a tenure as Union Minister of State for External Affairs until 1998.
The defamation suit filed by Shervani argues that Jan Chaupal, which operates as a journalistic entity, disseminated AI-generated videos on their Instagram and Facebook platforms. The first video accuses Shervani of employing Ahmed to suppress a factory strike in 1985. The second video suggests a growing alliance between the two, with Shervani allegedly aiding Ahmed in consolidating his criminal influence in Allahabad.
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Shervani’s Legal Standpoint
Shervani contends that the accusations are entirely baseless, further asserting that Jan Chaupal failed to seek his perspective or comments, thereby breaching Press Council of India (PCI) norms. The court was informed that these videos have amassed significant attention, drawing in hundreds of thousands of views and numerous likes across social media platforms.
In response to these developments, the High Court issued an interim injunction order, compelling the removal of the videos. Legal representation for Saleem Iqbal Shervani was provided by Advocates J Amal Anand, Abhishek Singh, and KV Vibu Prasad.
