Bombay High Court permits Nitin Gadkari to sue Meta, Google, X over ethanol-linked deepfake posts

Published 27 July 2026 · politics

The Bombay High Court on Monday (July 27, 2026) allowed Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to initiate legal proceedings against Meta, Google, X and other unnamed

The Bombay High Court on Monday (July 27, 2026) allowed Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to initiate legal proceedings against Meta, Google, X and other unnamed entities over social media content that he alleged falsely links him to the Centre’s Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP). Justice Abhay Ahuja, presiding over a single-judge Bench, granted Mr. Gadkari leave to file a substantive civil suit, seeking relief that includes the removal of the content in question from the internet. The petition was moved under Clause XII of the Letters Patent. This procedural requirement necessitates the High Court’s permission when a part of the cause of action arises outside the High Court’s 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 looks after the EBP and has issued official press releases and clarifications on its progress. 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, inter alia, insinuating corruption, nepotism, conflict of interest, abuse of official position, misuse of governmental authority and other acts of impropriety.” 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.