Bombay HC allows Nitin Gadkari to sue Meta, Google over alleged deepfake content

New Delhi: The Bombay High Court has allowed Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to file a civil suit against Meta, Google and other digital platforms over the circulation of alleged defamatory posts and AI-generated deepfake content linked to the E20 fuel programme.

According to Bar and Bench, Justice Abhay Ahuja permitted Gadkari to institute the suit on the original civil side of the High Court. The permission was required because the disputed content was available both within and outside the court’s territorial jurisdiction.

Gadkari has alleged that unidentified users circulated social media posts, reels and videos that falsely presented him as personally responsible for the E20 fuel programme. Some of the content allegedly claimed that he and his family had financially benefited from the policy.

The Union Minister has maintained that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas administers the ethanol-blending programme and the E20 policy.

E20 petrol contains 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. The programme is part of the government’s efforts to reduce crude oil imports, lower emissions and promote domestically produced biofuels.

However, the rollout has led to concerns among vehicle owners fuel efficiency and the compatibility of older vehicles with E20 petrol. Vehicles manufactured before the wider adoption of E20-compatible engines have been at the centre of the public debate.

Gadkari’s proposed suit argues that the disputed content went beyond legitimate criticism and used false claims, abusive language and manipulated audio and video to damage his reputation.

The petition alleges that AI tools were used to imitate Gadkari’s image, facial features and voice without his permission. It claims that the content created the misleading impression that he had misused public office for private financial gain.

The case places renewed focus on the responsibilities of social media, video and platforms in addressing AI-generated misinformation. The issue is also relevant for advertisers and brands whose campaigns may appear alongside misleading or manipulated content.

Gadkari has sought permanent and mandatory injunctions against the publication and circulation of the disputed material. He has also demanded Rs 11 crore in damages.

The defendants include Meta, which operates and Instagram, X Corp, Google and YouTube. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Department of Telecommunications have also been named in the suit.

The unidentified creators and distributors of the content have been included as John Doe defendants.

The plea clarifies that the action is not intended to prevent fair public criticism or made in good faith. It states that the suit is directed at allegedly false, malicious and defamatory content, including AI-manipulated material.

The substantive suit is expected to be heard by Justice Arif Doctor.