A Delhi court has granted regular bail to Mujahid Jamal Shaikh, a 34-year-old man accused of sharing an AI-morphed image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the social media platform X.
Additional Sessions Judge Saurabh Pratap Singh Laler of the Patiala House Courts allowed the bail application after assessing the circumstances of the case. The Court noted that the accused has strong social roots and no prior criminal record. It further observed that there was no likelihood of him absconding or interfering with the investigation.
The Court also recorded that the evidence in the matter is primarily electronic in nature. It took note of the fact that the accused had cooperated with the investigation. The investigating agency had already seized his mobile phone, and authorities had deactivated the relevant social media account at the request of the investigating officer.
The Special Cell of the Delhi Police had registered a case against Shaikh under Sections 336(4) (forgery), 356(2) (criminal defamation), and 353(2) (promoting hatred) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Section 66 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
According to the prosecution, Shaikh reposted an AI-generated image on February 1, 2026. The image allegedly depicted Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a derogatory manner alongside Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan. The Delhi Police contended that the post was objectionable and capable of promoting disharmony.
Counsel for the accused argued that the post did not incite hatred or disharmony among groups. It further challenged the invocation of penal provisions by the police.
After considering these submissions, the Court granted bail to Shaikh.
In addition, the Court addressed certain procedural concerns. It noted a dispute regarding a document relating to the “grounds of arrest.” Consequently, the Court directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Cell, to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the authenticity of the document. The Court further observed that, if required, a handwriting expert’s opinion may be obtained.
Advocates Aamir Raza Khan, Sazid SR Shah, and Amit Singh appeared on behalf of the applicant, Mujahid Jamal Shaikh. Additional Public Prosecutor Mukul Kumar represented the Delhi Police.
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