A Patiala House Courts Delhi Sessions Court has granted regular bail to Mujahid Jamal Shaikh, who was arrested for allegedly sharing an AI-generated morphed image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media.
Case Background: AI-Morphed Image & Legal Charges
The bail order was passed by Additional Sessions Judge Saurabh Pratap Singh Laler, who observed that the investigation had been completed and further custody of the accused was not necessary.
Shaikh was booked under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Section 336(4) – Forgery
- Section 356(2) – Defamation
- Section 353(2) – Public mischief
- Section 66 of the Information Technology Act 2000
According to the prosecution, the accused posted an AI-morphed image on X (formerly Twitter), allegedly showing the Prime Minister bowing before a Bollywood actor. Authorities claimed the post was intended to spread digital misinformation and create public disharmony.
Court’s Key Observations on Bail
The Delhi court highlighted several crucial factors while granting bail:
1. Completion of Investigation
The court noted that the accused’s mobile phone had already been seized, and all digital evidence was in police custody. Therefore, there was no risk of tampering.
2. Cooperation with Authorities
Shaikh cooperated with the investigation and even reactivated his social media account at the request of the Special Cell to assist in the probe.
3. Personal Liberty & Legal Principles
Relying on precedents such as Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar and Satender Kumar Antil v. CBI, the court emphasized that:
- The accused has no prior criminal record
- He has strong roots in society
- Prolonged incarceration is not justified
Twist: Inquiry into Alleged Forged Arrest Document
A significant development emerged during the hearing when the defense submitted a document claimed to be the “grounds of arrest.” Police contested its authenticity, alleging it was forged and not part of official records.
Taking the matter seriously, the court directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) to conduct a preliminary inquiry. This may include:
- Verification of document authenticity
- Examination by a handwriting expert, if required
Bail in AI-Morphing Case (Delhi): A Delhi Sessions Court granted bail to Mujahid Jamal Shaikh in a case involving an AI-generated morphed image of PM Narendra Modi. The court cited completion of investigation, seizure of digital evidence, and the accused’s cooperation. It also ordered an inquiry into an allegedly forged arrest document. The case highlights the growing legal challenges around AI-generated content, fake news, and digital misinformation in India.