The Delhi High Court granted ad-interim relief to a plaintiff seeking protection against the circulation of defamatory and explicit digital content, while directing major social media platforms and pornographic websites to take down objectionable URLs and disclose user information. The Court observed that the material in question was “appalling, deplorable, defamatory, and a patent breach of the plaintiff’s fundamental rights.”
The plaintiff approached the High Court alleging that several online platforms were involved in the circulation and publication of objectionable, AI-generated, and morphed content, including nude and pornographic visuals, which falsely depicted the plaintiff in an obscene manner. The content was said to have caused severe reputational harm and emotional distress. The plaintiff, while asserting her right to privacy, dignity, and reputation, sought a permanent and mandatory injunction against the dissemination of such content and damages for the alleged unlawful acts.
The counsel for the plaintiff submitted that the defamatory content comprised morphed images, deepfake videos, and explicit visuals meant to depict the plaintiff maliciously. It was contended that the continued existence and circulation of such material not only violated the plaintiff’s fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution but also constituted serious civil wrongs. The counsel urged the Court to pass immediate protective orders, relying on similar precedents from earlier decisions of the same Court. The plaintiff also sought permission to place certain content in a sealed cover to maintain confidentiality.
After perusing the sealed material presented during the hearing, the Court observed, "On a prima facie perusal of the same, it is seen that the content is completely appalling, deplorable, defamatory, and is a patent breach of the fundamental rights of the plaintiff.”
The Court emphasised that urgent judicial intervention was necessary to prevent further violation of the plaintiff’s dignity and privacy. It noted that such acts, if unchecked, could perpetuate harm and set a dangerous precedent in the digital age.
Accordingly, the Court issued an ad-interim injunction restraining defendants, which included various social media handles and pornographic websites, from uploading, sharing, or disseminating any non-consensual or explicit content involving the plaintiff. Major platforms such as X Corp., Meta Platforms Inc., and Google LLC were directed to take down offending URLs and de-index them from their search engines. Internet service providers were also instructed to block access to the impugned websites.
In a significant direction, the Court also mandated X Corp. and Meta Platforms Inc. to disclose the basic subscriber information and complete details of the accounts responsible for circulating the defamatory content.
Recognising the sensitive nature of the matter, the Court directed the Registry to maintain confidentiality by anonymising the plaintiff’s identity from the court records and cause title.
The High Court allowed the suit to be registered and issued summons to the remaining defendants. It granted the plaintiff liberty to file further documents in a sealed envelope and ordered all parties to comply with filing timelines. The matter is now listed before the Joint Registrar on 25th September 2025 for completion of pleadings and admission/denial of documents.
Through this robust interim relief, the Court reinforced the legal safeguards available against online abuse and upheld the fundamental rights of individuals in the digital era.
Case No.: CS(OS) 465/2025
Coram: Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav
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