Bombay HC Orders Removal of Deepfake Videos Against Gadkari Over Ethanol Policy
The Bombay High Court on Wednesday directed social media platforms to take down deepfake and artificial intelligence-generated videos that linked Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP). The court found the content to be defamatory and ordered its removal from all platforms.
Justice Arif Doctor, presiding over a Single Bench, ordered the removal of all content identified in the lawsuit filed by Mr. Gadkari. The court also directed the platforms to remove similar content in the future if the minister brings it to their notice through the court.
The order came in response to a suit filed by Mr. Gadkari, who asserted that he had no role in the decision-making process of the Ethanol Blending Programme. He stated that the policy is managed by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Mr. Gadkari, who has been the Minister of Road Transport since 2014, told the court that unknown users had created and circulated videos that falsely portrayed him as responsible for the implementation of the ethanol blending policy. The content also alleged that he and his family had derived undue financial benefits from the programme, implying corruption and misuse of office.
The lawsuit referenced at least 24 posts containing such allegations. Mr. Gadkari clarified that his legal action was not intended to suppress fair debate or criticism of government policies, but to address content that was fabricated and malicious. He also noted that the deepfake content exploited his personality and publicity rights without his consent.
During the proceedings, the court expressed concern over the absence of a mechanism to remove abusive content without judicial intervention. It observed that individuals are compelled to approach courts for relief in such matters.
Additional Solicitor General Arif Ghosh appeared for the Union Ministry of Information and Technology.
On July 27, Justice Abhay Ahuja had permitted Mr. Gadkari to sue X, Meta Platforms, Google, and other unidentified entities in connection with the posts.
Mr. Gadkari’s suit also noted that the Ethanol Blending Programme was introduced by the central government in 2003. The current administration achieved 20 per cent ethanol blending with petrol in 2025-2026, a target that falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, which has issued official statements on the matter.
The court’s order applies to the content cited by Mr. Gadkari in his plea, as well as any future content he may flag. The decision underscores the legal responsibility of social media platforms to respond to defamatory deepfake content and the growing need for faster grievance redressal mechanisms.
