Nitin Gadkari moves court against Meta, X, Google over AI deepfakes linking him, family to E20 policy

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has approached the Bombay High Court seeking the removal of AI-generated deepfake videos and manipulated social media posts that allegedly falsely link him and his family to financial gains from the government’s E20 ethanol-blended petrol programme.

On Monday, Justice Abhay Ahuja granted Gadkari permission to file a civil suit against Meta Platforms, X Corp (formerly Twitter) and Google LLC, among others. The minister has sought directions for the immediate removal and disabling of the allegedly defamatory content circulating online, per a Bar and Bench report.

In his petition, filed through advocate Sandeep S Ladda, Gadkari said several AI-generated videos and social media posts falsely portray him as personally running and profiting from the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme and the E20 initiative.

The plea describes the claims as “false, fabricated and malicious,” alleging they were created to mislead the public into believing the Union minister misused his office for personal financial benefit.

The legal action comes shortly after the BJP’s social media cell in Nagpur filed an FIR against several online influencers and content creators over alleged misinformation related to the ethanol policy.

The petition states that the E20 programme is administered by the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and that Gadkari has no official role in implementing the policy or any personal financial interest in it.

While Gadkari has publicly advocated the use of biofuels and alternative energy sources, the plea argues that his support for cleaner fuels has been wrongly portrayed as evidence of personal commercial involvement.

Gadkari’s legal team said the lawsuit is not intended to curb free speech or prevent criticism of government policies.

According to the petition, the minister supports public discussion, analysis and fair criticism of decisions taken by him or his office. However, it argues that the creation and circulation of AI-generated deepfakes containing false allegations amount to defamation and damage to his reputation.

The case comes amid continuing public debate over the rollout of E20 petrol in India. While the government says the initiative will help reduce fuel imports and lower emissions, some motorists have raised concerns its impact on fuel efficiency and compatibility with older vehicles.

The High Court allowed Gadkari to institute the suit under Clause XII of the Letters Patent, as part of the alleged cause of action extends beyond Mumbai’s territorial jurisdiction.

The court is expected to hear Gadkari’s request for interim relief, including a temporary injunction to stop the circulation of the disputed videos and posts, at a later date.