Bombay High Court allows Nitin Gadkari to sue Meta, Google, X over deepfake ethanol posts

The Bombay High Court on Monday granted Union Minister Nitin Gadkari permission to initiate legal proceedings against Meta, Google, X, and other unnamed entities over social media content that he claims falsely links him to the Centre’s Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP).

Justice Abhay Ahuja, presiding over a single-judge bench, allowed Mr. Gadkari to file a substantive civil suit seeking removal of the allegedly defamatory content from the internet. The petition was moved under Clause XII of the Letters Patent, which requires the court’s permission when part of the cause of action arises outside its territorial jurisdiction. Mr. Gadkari also indicated his intention to approach the Supreme Court in the matter. A detailed order is awaited.

In the proposed suit, Mr. Gadkari outlined the background of the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP), introduced by the central government in 2003 as a national policy initiative for blending ethanol with petrol in phases. The implementation of 20% ethanol blending with petrol (E20) was achieved during the 2025-2026 period. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas oversees the EBP and has issued official press releases and clarifications on its progress.

Mr. Gadkari stated that although he has served as the Union Minister for Road Transport since 2014, he has no role in the E20 policy decisions. However, the minister alleged that several social media posts, created and circulated by unknown users, falsely portray him as responsible for the EBP’s implementation. The court filings noted that the posts “falsely, maliciously and without any basis whatsoever” allege that Mr. Gadkari and members of his family derived undue pecuniary benefits from the implementation of the EBP, thereby insinuating corruption, nepotism, conflict of interest, abuse of official position, misuse of governmental authority, and other acts of impropriety.

Mr. Gadkari identified at least 24 posts that he claims are defamatory and has sought directions for their removal. The minister clarified that the suit is not intended to prevent public discussion or fair criticism of his decisions or official functions, adding, “The content in question is false and fabricated.” The suit, which seeks damages of ₹11 crore, is expected to be listed before Justice Arif Doctor.