E20 Fuel Row: Nitin Gadkari Moves Bombay High Court Over Alleged Defamatory Posts and Deepfake Videos
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has approached the Bombay High Court seeking legal action against the circulation of allegedly defamatory social media posts and AI-generated deepfake videos linking him and his family to the Centre's E20 ethanol-blended petrol programme. The High Court has permitted Gadkari to institute a civil suit against social media platforms, unidentified individuals and other parties named in his petition.
Nitin Gadkari Alleges False and Misleading Content
According to the petition, Gadkari has alleged that the online posts and manipulated videos falsely portray him as having misused his public office for private financial gain through the E20 programme. He contends that the content is malicious, defamatory and intended to damage his personal and professional reputation. Nitin Gadkari Rejects Conflict of Interest Allegations Over Ethanol Policy, Calls Criticism ‘Politically Motivated’.
The minister has also argued that the allegations are factually incorrect, stating that the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme and the E20 initiative fall under the jurisdiction of the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, not the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways headed by him.
Bombay High Court Allows Civil Suit
Justice Abhay Ahuja of the Bombay High Court allowed Gadkari to file the civil suit. The petition names Meta Platforms, X Corp, Google LLC, unidentified persons and others as respondents, seeking the removal of the allegedly defamatory content from digital platforms. What Is the E20 Janta Party and Why Does It Demand Choice in India's Fuel Policy? All You Need To Know.
The minister has also sought interim relief, including an injunction to prevent further circulation of the disputed material while the case is pending. The court is expected to hear the application for interim relief at a later stage.
Case Highlights Growing Concern Over AI Deepfakes
The case has brought renewed attention to the misuse of artificial intelligence in generating deepfake videos and manipulated digital content. Gadkari's plea argues that the material creates a misleading narrative by falsely associating him with policy decisions and alleged private benefits, thereby harming his reputation and personality rights.
The petition also raises questions about the responsibility of social media platforms in responding to allegedly false and defamatory AI-generated content.
Background: E20 Petrol Programme
E20 petrol is a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol introduced as part of the Centre's efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, cut emissions and promote cleaner transportation. While Gadkari has publicly supported alternative fuels for the transport sector, he has maintained in his petition that the E20 and Ethanol Blended Petrol programmes are administered by the Petroleum Ministry and that he has no administrative role in implementing them.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 27, 2026 02:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
