Quick Summary: Chandrashekhar Bhimsen Naik's arrest in a deepfake video case has been declared illegal by the Bombay High Court. The court found that the arrest did not follow legal procedures, and Naik is to be released on bail.
On September 29, 2025, a police report was filed at the Cyber Police Station in Mumbai. Prakash Gopichand Gaba, a stock market expert, complained about fake videos using his image to promote fake stock investments. This led to financial losses for many who believed the fake ads.
Chandrashekhar Bhimsen Naik, a Senior VP at a Bengaluru tech company, was not initially named as a suspect. However, on October 15, 2025, police arrested him without prior notice, claiming he was involved in creating and spreading the fake videos. His devices were taken, and he was brought to the Cyber Police Station in Bandra, Mumbai.
"The arrest was recorded at 00.01 a.m. on 16/10/2025, despite his cooperation in the investigation."
Naik's lawyer, Mr. Kushal Mor, argued that the arrest broke the rules. The police did not give specific reasons for the arrest, and no proper notice was given. The court, led by Judges Bharati Dangre and Shyam C. Chandak, agreed that the arrest was not fair.
The court emphasized the importance of following proper steps to protect personal freedom. The police must have valid reasons for arrest, especially in cases with less than seven years of potential imprisonment. The court found that the police used vague reasons for Naik's arrest, which is not allowed.
"Taking away someone's freedom is a serious matter and without any good reason... the arrest goes against the law and protections."
On December 3, 2025, the court ordered Naik's release on bail, setting a bond of Rs. 50,000. This decision highlights the necessity for law enforcement to stick to legal rules, ensuring individuals' rights are not violated.
