The Patna High Court on Wednesday directed the Congress party to withdraw from its social media platforms an AI-generated video portraying Prime Minister Narendra Modi in conversation with his late mother.
The order was passed by Acting Chief Justice P. B. Bajanthri on a petition filed by advocate Vivekanand Singh and others, who alleged that the video amounted to a “defamatory publication” and violated restrictions imposed on political parties under the Representation of the People Act.
During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General of India K. N. Singh, representing the Union government, informed that the court made it clear the video would “remain withdrawn till the next date of hearing.”
The petition also named Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the Union government, and the Election Commission of India (ECI) as respondents.
Appearing for the ECI, counsel Siddharth Prasad said the court had further issued notices to major social media intermediaries — Facebook, Twitter (X), and Google — directing them to submit their replies before the next hearing. The specific date is expected to be reflected in the court’s order sheet once uploaded.
Last week, the Bihar Congress had posted the controversial video on its X handle with the caption in Hindi: “Sahab ke sapno mein aayi maa. Dekhiye rochak samvaad” (Mother came in sahab’s dream. Watch an interesting interaction between them).
The video depicted the late mother of the Prime Minister criticising his political decisions, which triggered strong reactions. The BJP and its allies condemned the video, and protests were reported in several parts of the country.
The Congress, however, defended its action. Party spokesperson Pawan Khera, head of the media and publicity department, said the video did not disrespect either the Prime Minister or his mother.
“What is their objection? Just because a mother is trying to educate the son to do something right. Where is it disrespectful, neither to the mother, whom we respect dearly, nor to the son,” Khera stated.
The matter will come up again on the next date of hearing, with the High Court expected to examine responses from the social media platforms and other respondents. Until then, the AI-generated video is to remain taken down.
