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Unchecked AI Can Harm Democracy: Chandigarh Court in by Leader
In a significant , a has directed to immediately block three pages accused of sharing AI-generated defamatory videos targeting leader Amandeep Jaintipura. The court observed that uncontrolled manipulation through artificial intelligence may adversely affect the health of democracy and contribute to the manufacturing of public consent.
The Case at a Glance
The plaintiff, Amandeep Kumar—better known as Amandeep Jaintipura—is a lawyer and a prominent figure in Punjab, actively contesting for the Batala assembly seat in the upcoming state elections. He approached the court after discovering multiple AI-manipulated videos on the pages “Batale Di Rajneeti,” “Kachi Laan,” and “Thanedar Uncle.” These pages amassed massive viewership—hundreds of thousands of views—and portrayed the plaintiff in a false, negative light, including branding him as a drug dealer, an anti-social element, and even showing a manipulated scene where he supposedly acts as a dancer alongside a woman.
Manufactured Consent and Cheap Politics
The plaintiff’s counsel argued that this was not legitimate political criticism but “cheap politics” leveraging technology in an unchecked manner. They contended that the AI-generated content was specifically designed to humiliate and damage the plaintiff’s reputation for the benefit of the ruling . The court’s examination of the videos—played from the bench—revealed a clear political agenda, including a false narrative wherein the plaintiff was shown trying to settle a rape case, with mentions of leader Partap Bajwa and the current MLA Sherry Kalsi being portrayed positively.
Court’s Warning on AI and Democracy
Granting , Civil Judge Kuldeep Singh did not mince words. He noted that the production and dissemination of such fabricated content went beyond healthy public criticism, striking at the very core of democratic discourse. “ This is quite a serious act done in a very uncontrolled casual manner, ” the judge said, “ which may adversely affect the health of our democracy and a process of manufacturing of public consent. ” The court stressed that the ruling party itself is responsible for controlling such acts, yet the content appeared to favour it.
The Order: Pages Blocked, Defendants Restrained
The court issued an against the operators of the three pages (defendants No. 1 to 3), restraining them from further disseminating, publishing, or uploading any AI-generated content involving the plaintiff. Defendant No. 4— —was directed to disable public access to or suspend the pages “Thanedar Uncle,” “Kachi Laan,” and “Batale Di Rajneeti” immediately. The order remains in effect until the next hearing, scheduled for .
Looking Ahead
This interim ruling underscores the judiciary’s growing concern over the weaponization of deepfake and AI technologies in political campaigns. The plaintiff has been ordered to comply with , failing which the will automatically vacate. The defendants will have the opportunity to present their side at the next hearing. The case marks a critical moment in defining the boundaries of in the age of ubiquitous AI manipulation.
