The Union Minister alleges AI-generated videos and social media posts falsely linked him and his family to financial gains from the Centre’s E20 ethanol initiative.
The Bombay High Court has granted Union Minister Nitin Gadkari permission to initiate a civil suit against Meta, Google, X and unidentified individuals or entities over the alleged circulation of defamatory deepfake content relating to the government’s E20 ethanol-blended petrol programme.
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The legal action follows Gadkari’s petition claiming that AI-generated videos, edited clips and social media posts falsely suggested that he and members of his family were benefiting financially from the Centre’s ethanol-blending initiative.
Gadkari alleges misinformation campaign
According to the petition, the online content was designed to mislead the public and damage his reputation by falsely connecting him with the implementation and financial benefits of the E20 programme.
Gadkari argued that the allegations are entirely baseless and malicious, maintaining that neither he nor his family has any role in the programme’s formulation or administration.
Minister says E20 policy is outside his ministry
In his plea before the High Court, Gadkari clarified that the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, including the E20 initiative, falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, not the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, which he heads.
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On that basis, he argued that the claims circulating on social media are factually incorrect and misleading.
Removal of deepfake content sought
The minister has requested the court to direct the removal of AI-generated deepfake videos, manipulated images, edited clips and related posts that allegedly associate him and his family with the E20 programme.
He has also sought directions against those responsible for creating, publishing and circulating the content, along with an order restraining any further dissemination of similar material across digital platforms.
Government departments named as respondents
Apart from Meta, Google and X, the petition also names the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) as respondents.
The High Court has permitted Gadkari to proceed with the civil suit, while his request for interim relief will be considered during the next stage of the legal proceedings.
Understanding the E20 programme
The Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme is one of the Centre’s key energy initiatives aimed at increasing the use of domestically produced ethanol in petrol.
The programme seeks to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, improve energy security, support farmers through higher ethanol demand and lower vehicular emissions by increasing the use of renewable fuel.
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FAQ
Why is Nitin Gadkari filing a lawsuit?
Gadkari alleges that AI-generated deepfake videos and social media posts falsely linked him and his family to financial gains from the E20 ethanol programme, damaging his reputation.
Which companies are named in the case?
The proposed civil suit names Meta (Facebook and Instagram), Google, X, unidentified entities, as well as government departments including MeitY and DoT.
What did the Bombay High Court decide?
The High Court allowed Gadkari to institute a civil suit. His request for interim relief, including removal of the disputed content, will be considered at a later stage.
What is the E20 programme?
The E20 initiative is part of India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme, which promotes blending ethanol with petrol to improve energy security, support farmers and reduce environmental impact.
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