Follow TNM's WhatsApp channel for news updates and story links.
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader and Nilgiris Member of Parliament A Raja has issued a legal notice to YouTuber Maridhas, accusing him of circulating “fabricated, manipulated and defamatory” audio clips on the platform X.
The notice, issued by advocates M Sneha and Kavin Bharathan, alleged that the respondent uploaded and circulated “certain audio clips in two separate video parts” purportedly involving Raja, which were “widely disseminated with the apparent intent of attracting public attention and generating controversy.”
The legal notice stated that the audio material was not a continuous or original recording but was a “carefully curated and manipulated compilation,” adding that segments were “selectively extracted, rearranged, and presented out of sequence so as to distort the true meaning and context.”
The audio clips in question, circulated in two parts on X, allegedly contain a purported conversation attributed to A Raja, and a discussion that touches upon sensitive political matters and internal party dynamics.
The notice further alleged technological tampering, claiming that “artificial intelligence and/or other digital tools have been employed to alter, fabricate, or superimpose statements that were never originally made.” It described the content as “synthetic or deepfake content, which is inherently deceptive.”
The lawyers argued that the manner of presentation, splitting the audio into multiple parts, demonstrated a deliberate attempt to sensationalise and mislead viewers while also accusing the respondent of creating a “false and misleading narrative” by omitting key portions of the alleged conversation.
The notice contended that the actions amounted to mala fide intent, including “a calculated effort to defame, to spread misinformation, and to undermine the reputation and public standing” of Raja.
It further stated that such acts constituted defamation, fabrication and circulation of false material and misuse of electronic platforms and raised concerns under Information Technology laws and criminal statutes related to digital forgery and misinformation.
The notice demanded immediate removal and pulling down of the videos/audio clips and to cease and desist from publishing similar content. It also demanded a public clarification and an unconditional apology and disclosure of the source and processing of the audio material.