Patna: High Court directs removal of AI-generated video
The Patna High Court on Wednesday (September 17, 2025) ordered the Congress party to immediately take down from its social media platforms an AI-generated video depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother. The decision came in response to a petition filed by lawyer Vivekanand Singh.
The video, which had been posted on the Bihar Congress’s official X handle last week, showed a digitally created version of PM Modi’s mother criticising him for his political decisions. The matter sparked widespread criticism, with many calling it distasteful and defamatory.
Acting Chief Justice issues directive
Acting Chief Justice P.B. Baijanthri, who presided over the case, directed the party to withdraw the video without delay. The court also issued notices to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Facebook, Twitter, and Google, asking them to respond in connection with the circulation of the video.
“The court, while ordering immediate withdrawal of the video, has also issued notices to Gandhi, Facebook, Twitter and Google,” said Siddharth Prasad, counsel for the Election Commission, who is one of the respondents in the case.
Petition against Congress and others
In his plea, petitioner Vivekanand Singh named Rahul Gandhi, the Union government, and the Election Commission as respondents, arguing that the video was misleading and disrespectful. He sought urgent intervention to ensure such content was not allowed to circulate further.
The controversy comes at a politically sensitive time, with Bihar being an important battleground state. The use of artificial intelligence in political campaigning has already raised concerns globally, and this case has brought the issue into sharper focus within India.
Broader concerns over AI misuse in politics
The use of AI-generated deepfakes and manipulated videos in election campaigns has been widely criticised by experts, who warn of their potential to spread misinformation and harm reputations. The incident has reignited debates over the need for stricter regulations on political content shared online.
Digital rights activists have also flagged the role of major social media platforms in preventing the spread of manipulated media, arguing that timely intervention is crucial to curb misinformation.
Conclusion
With the court directing the immediate removal of the video, the spotlight is now on Congress and social media platforms to comply. The case underscores growing judicial and public concern over the misuse of AI in political discourse. The responses from Rahul Gandhi, the social media companies, and the Congress party will be closely watched in the coming weeks.