The Delhi High Court has mandated the removal of a morphed image that allegedly depicts a woman alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This decision comes following a complaint made by the woman against members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), who reportedly circulated the image during a protest. The woman informed the court that she faced online threats, including rape threats, due to the misuse of her photograph.

During the proceedings, Justice Girish Kathpalia ordered police protection for the complainant, instructing law enforcement to keep her address confidential while ensuring her safety. The court clearly stated that her personal information should not be disclosed publicly, acknowledging the potential risks involved.

The court has also issued notices to notable CJP leaders, including Saurav Das, Abhijit Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka, and Ratna Singh. They are required to submit their responses to the court within two weeks regarding the allegations made against them.

Details of the Allegations and Court Orders

The woman’s petition alleges that her photograph was used without her consent to create an offensive image, depicting her alongside PM Modi. It is reported that this altered image was showcased on banners at a CJP rally, and that videos featuring the image circulated on social media platforms. Furthermore, the woman claimed that similar morphed images of her were visible on pornographic websites, leading to significant distress and harm to her reputation.

In response to these serious allegations, Delhi Police informed the court that a First Information Report (FIR) had been registered on the previous day. The police asserted their commitment to addressing the matter expediently and effectively. In line with the court’s directives, they are expected to file a detailed status report within a week, outlining the actions taken in connection with the case.

The court directed the woman to provide investigators with any relevant images, videos, and links pertaining to the case. Authorities were instructed to treat this material with confidentiality and to refer the links to Meta through official communications to facilitate the removal of the offensive content.

Next Steps in the Legal Proceedings

Additionally, the court has taken measures to protect the sensitive information contained within the petition and its annexures. It has ordered that the links to the objectionable content be redacted from the publicly accessible documents, thus maintaining the privacy of the complainant.

The scope of the woman’s case is not limited to the ongoing proceedings against the individuals involved; she has been informed that she can also pursue a separate claim for compensation as the legal process unfolds. The court will reconvene in two weeks to review the progress made by law enforcement and to further address the woman’s concerns.

This case highlights the broader implications of digital image manipulation and the responsibilities of social media platforms in moderating content. The Delhi High Court’s intervention underscores the seriousness with which allegations of this nature are treated within the judicial system, as it seeks to safeguard the rights and safety of individuals affected by online abuse.

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