Nitin Gadkari Seeks Legal Action Over E20-Related Posts Targeting Him and His Family

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has moved the Bombay High Court against alleged defamatory social media posts and deepfake videos connecting him and his family to financial gains from India’s E20 ethanol programme. The court granted permission to file a civil suit against Meta, several other social media platforms, and unidentified individuals accused of creating or circulating the disputed content. Gadkari argued that the claims are false, misleading, and harmful to his reputation. He also maintained that the online content has spread widely across digital platforms and reached audiences in Mumbai. The legal action reflects his effort to challenge misinformation and seek accountability from those responsible for publishing or promoting the alleged defamatory material.

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Bombay High Court Allows Gadkari to Pursue Civil Suit

The petition states that the disputed posts falsely claim Gadkari and his family benefited from the E20 ethanol programme. However, the ethanol blending policy is administered by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas rather than the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Gadkari’s legal team argued that these misleading claims have created public confusion and damaged his public image. Advocate Sandeep S. Ladda represented the Union Minister before Justice Abhay Ahuja during the hearing. The court accepted that part of the cause of action arose within Mumbai because the disputed content remained accessible to users across the city through various online platforms.

Gadkari sought permission under Clause XII of the Letters Patent because some elements of the dispute extend beyond the territorial jurisdiction of the Bombay High Court. His counsel explained that the disputed material was available across India through internet-based platforms, making the legal provision necessary. After considering the submissions, Justice Abhay Ahuja granted permission to institute the civil suit. The order allows Gadkari to proceed with legal action against the named social media companies and unidentified individuals involved in publishing or distributing the alleged defamatory content. The case is expected to examine issues related to online misinformation and digital accountability.

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E20 Fuel Debate Continues Amid Misinformation Row

The latest legal development follows an FIR registered in Nagpur nearly two weeks earlier over alleged misinformation related to the E20 ethanol programme. Authorities named YouTuber and politician Manish Kashyap, Instagram account Desi Boys, influencer Harshit Rathi, and influencer Ankleash Invatee in the complaint. Investigators alleged that the accused circulated false information concerning Gadkari and the government’s ethanol policy through social media platforms. The FIR marked another step in the government’s response to misinformation surrounding the E20 initiative. Officials continue to investigate the matter under applicable legal provisions while the civil proceedings move forward in the Bombay High Court.

The Centre continues to promote E20 fuel, a blend containing 20 percent ethanol and 80 percent petrol, as an important component of India’s clean energy transition. Government officials have repeatedly stated that E20 fuel is safe for compatible vehicles and supports the country’s ethanol-blending targets. However, the policy has attracted criticism from some motorists, automobile enthusiasts, and online influencers who question its long-term effects on fuel efficiency and older vehicles. The ongoing legal proceedings highlight the broader debate surrounding the E20 programme while focusing specifically on allegations of misinformation and defamatory online content targeting the Union Minister and his family.

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