The Bombay High Court has permitted Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to initiate a civil defamation suit against major social media platforms, including Meta, Google, X (formerly Twitter), and others over allegedly defamatory posts and AI-generated deepfake content linking him and his family to profits from India’s E20 ethanol-blended fuel programme.
According to legal reports, Gadkari argued that several social media posts falsely claimed he personally benefited from the E20 policy and influenced its implementation for financial gain. He maintained that the allegations are entirely baseless and have caused serious damage to his reputation.
Gadkari alleges false claims and AI deepfakes
In his petition, Gadkari stated that misleading content circulating online incorrectly portrays him as the architect of the E20 ethanol-blending programme, despite the policy being administered by the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
The minister also alleged that some posts used AI-generated audio and video to imitate his voice and appearance without consent, creating deepfake content that spread false information.
The plea reportedly states that the allegations are “false, malicious and grossly defamatory” and have caused “grave and irreparable” harm to his public image.
Court grants permission to pursue civil action
The Bombay High Court has allowed Gadkari to proceed with filing a civil suit against Meta, Google, X and other entities over the alleged defamatory content.
The legal action seeks accountability for the circulation of false claims and manipulated digital content that, according to the minister, misled the public and tarnished his reputation.
E20 fuel policy at the centre of controversy
The dispute comes amid continuing debate over the government’s E20 fuel programme, which aims to blend 20% ethanol with petrol to reduce crude oil imports, lower emissions and promote cleaner fuel alternatives.
While some motorists, particularly owners of vehicles manufactured before 2023, have raised concerns about compatibility with E20 fuel, Gadkari has consistently defended the policy.
Earlier this month, he challenged critics to produce evidence of any vehicle suffering damage because of E20 petrol, saying there was no verified case of such issues.
Earlier complaints against content creators
Before approaching the High Court, complaints had already been filed in Maharashtra against several content creators accused of spreading misinformation about Gadkari and the ethanol-blending programme.
One complaint reportedly named a YouTube video and multiple social media accounts for allegedly publishing misleading and objectionable claims that could confuse the public and disturb public order.
Meanwhile, an X account called “E20 Janta Party” has attracted attention online, drawing comparisons with the satirical Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which recently gained prominence during nationwide student protests.
