Delhi High Court Directs Google To Remove Deepfake Videos Misusing Sadhguru’s Image And Identity

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday directed Google to deploy its technological tools to trace and eliminate fake or AI-altered videos on YouTube that misuse the image, videos, or likeness of spiritual leader and Isha Foundation founder Sadhguru Jagadish Vasudev.

The order was issued by Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora while hearing an interim plea filed by Sadhguru and the Isha Foundation seeking action against the growing misuse of his identity on digital platforms.

Referring to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, Justice Arora instructed Google to act against fraudulent advertisements on YouTube, including one that falsely depicted Sadhguru’s arrest.

The court further asked Google to work collaboratively with the Isha Foundation to develop a preventive mechanism that would stop such content from recurring, ensuring that the Foundation would not have to report every instance individually.

“If Defendant No. 45 (Google) has any technological limitations or reservations on this direction, it can take instructions and file an affidavit to that effect,” the judge said, citing Rule 4(4) of the 2021 IT Rules, which obliges online intermediaries to proactively detect and remove identical or similar content.

The court’s directive followed submissions from Sadhguru’s legal representatives, who presented fresh examples of misleading YouTube videos, including those carrying false arrest claims.

Google’s counsel told the court that the company had removed the reported URLs and was willing to work with the Isha Foundation to resolve the issue.

Previous High Court Order on Personality Rights

Earlier, on 30 May, the Delhi High Court had recognised Sadhguru’s personality rights and ordered the removal of AI-generated and fake videos used for scams and subscriber manipulation.

At that time, Justice Saurabh Banerjee had directed multiple online intermediaries, including Google, to suspend or disable such manipulated content after Sadhguru’s legal team revealed the widespread use of AI-morphed visuals to deceive audiences.

However, the Isha Foundation later reported that despite earlier orders, misleading content and advertisements had resurfaced online.

The Foundation argued that such videos violated Google’s own advertising policies, which prohibit ‘clickbait ads based on negative life events’, including fabricated stories of arrests or deaths.

“This continued circulation of deepfake and deceptive advertisements has caused widespread confusion and concern,” the Foundation said, noting that thousands of people had contacted them to confirm false reports about Sadhguru’s supposed arrest.

The Isha Foundation urged viewers to stay alert and to report any such misleading or fake YouTube videos by flagging them as ‘scam’ or ‘misleading’.