Rajat Sharma vs Union of India — Deepfake regulation PIL

Judgment15 Sep 2026

Delhi High Court protects personality rights of journalist Rajat Sharma in deepfake matter

The Delhi High Court has issued an order directing the removal of deepfake videos featuring journalist Rajat Sharma, ruling in favor of protecting his personality rights against unauthorized usage.

Explanation in simple terms

What:: The court ordered that fake videos of a journalist must be removed from the internet.
Who:: Rajat Sharma is the journalist, the Union of India is the government body, and the Delhi High Court is the legal authority deciding the matter.
When:: Reported on 15 Sep 2026.
Where:: Delhi High Court, Delhi.
Why:: The court acted to protect the personality rights of the journalist against the unauthorized use of his likeness.
What it means:: The court has ruled in favor of the journalist and ordered the removal of the deepfake content.

The Economic Times

Filing9 May 2024

Rajat Sharma approaches Delhi High Court against deepfake videos

The PIL filed by journalist Rajat Sharma requests court directives to identify and block platforms that enable the creation and distribution of deepfake content.

Explanation in simple terms

What:: A journalist filed a legal petition asking for court orders to stop deepfake videos.
Who:: Rajat Sharma is the petitioner and the Union of India is the government body named in the case.
When:: Reported on 9 May 2024.
Where:: Delhi High Court in Delhi.
Why:: He wants the court to identify and block websites that let people make and share deepfakes.
What it means:: The court will now consider the request to regulate platforms that host artificial images or videos.

Lawbeat

Hearing8 May 2024

Delhi High Court issues notice on Rajat Sharma's PIL regarding deepfake regulation

The Delhi High Court has issued a notice in response to a public interest litigation filed by journalist Rajat Sharma seeking stricter regulation of deepfake technology and the blocking of platforms facilitating its misuse.

Explanation in simple terms

What:: The Delhi High Court asked the government to respond to a request for stricter deepfake technology rules.
Who:: Rajat Sharma is a journalist, the Union of India is the government, and the Delhi High Court is the court.
When:: Reported on 8 May 2024.
Where:: Delhi High Court, Delhi.
Why:: Rajat Sharma filed a public interest litigation asking for better deepfake regulation and the blocking of misused platforms.
What it means:: The court has officially started looking into the case and will now wait for the government to reply.

LiveLaw

News8 May 2024

Journalist Rajat Sharma files PIL in Delhi High Court to block apps and platforms on deepfakes

Sharma's deepfake video had gone viral on social media recently; he has sought appointment of a dedicated government nodal officer to deal with the issue of...

Explanation in simple terms

What:: A journalist filed a request in court to stop digital platforms from hosting deepfake videos.
Who:: Rajat Sharma is the journalist, the Union of India is the government, and the Delhi High Court is the court hearing the request.
When:: Reported on 8 May 2024.
Where:: Delhi High Court in Delhi.
Why:: A fake video of the journalist went viral, and he wants a government official appointed to handle the issue.
What it means:: The court will consider the request to block apps and create a specific role for managing deepfake content.

Bar and Bench

HearingDate unknown

Court addresses application regarding YouTube channels circulating deepfake videos

The High Court considered an application addressing specific YouTube channels identified as defendants 13 to 16, alleged to be circulating deepfake videos using the petitioner's personality without authorization.

Explanation in simple terms

What:: The court held a hearing about specific YouTube channels allegedly spreading unauthorized deepfake videos.
Who:: Rajat Sharma is the petitioner, the Union of India is the government body, and the Delhi High Court is the judicial authority deciding the matter. The YouTube channels labeled as defendants thirteen through sixteen are the parties accused of sharing these videos.
Where:: Delhi High Court, Delhi.
Why:: The court reviewed an application because these channels allegedly used the petitioner's likeness without permission in deepfake videos.
What it means:: The court is now specifically examining the actions of these identified YouTube channels as part of the ongoing case.

Indian Kanoon

Rajat Sharma vs Union of India — Deepfake regulation PIL

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Discussion

Delhi High Court protects personality rights of journalist Rajat Sharma in deepfake matter

Rajat Sharma approaches Delhi High Court against deepfake videos

Delhi High Court issues notice on Rajat Sharma's PIL regarding deepfake regulation

Journalist Rajat Sharma files PIL in Delhi High Court to block apps and platforms on deepfakes

Court addresses application regarding YouTube channels circulating deepfake videos