E20 Petrol Policy: Bombay High Court Orders Takedown Of 'Defamatory' AI Videos Against Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday (August 5) ordered takedown of deepfake, AI videos linking Union Minister Nitin Gadkari with the controversial Ethanol-blended fuel policy.Single-judge Justice Arif Doctor has ordered pulling down of all the content as highlighted by Gadkari in his suit, after finding the material to be "per se defamatory."Further, order is issued to remove any other content in future, if highlighted by him. During the hearing, the Court also raised concern over the non-existence of any mechanism to pull down abusive content, pointing that individuals are compelled to approach the courts for relief.Notably, on Monday (July 27) single-judge Justice Abhay Ahuja had allowed Gadkari to sue X, Meta Platforms, Google and unknown others, for posting defamatory, deepfake and AI generated content.In his suit, the Minister of Road & Transport pointed out that in 2003, the then Central Government had introduced the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) as a national policy initiative aimed at blending ethanol with petrol in a phased manner. And in 2025 to 2026, the present regime achieved implementation of 20 per cent of the ethanol blending with petrol (E20), which is exclusively looked after by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, which has also issued official press releases, public statements and clarifications concerning the objectives, implementation and progress of the EBP.He has pointed out that he has been the Minister of Road Transport since 2014 till date and has no role in the E20 policy decision making. However, unknown users, the minister said, have created, published and circulated defamatory and deep fake Content, falsely portraying him as being responsible for, and personally connected with, the implementation of the EBP and making numerous abusive, scandalous, and defamatory allegations against him."The Defamatory Content further falsely, maliciously and without any basis whatsoever alleges that the Plaintiff and/or members of his family, have 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 impropreity." the plea reads.In his plea, Gadkari has highlighted at least 24 such allegedly defamatory posts linking him to the E20 controversy and has urged the court to order removal of the same."The purpose and object of filing the Suit is not to curtail or prevent the public at large from engaging in discussion, debate, analysis or fair, just and bona fide criticism of any decision taken by the Plaintiff himself or by his office. The Plaintiff respectfully submits that he does not seek to stifle or restrain fair criticism, dissent, debate or bona fide expression of opinion concerning his public life, governmental policies or official functions. However, the Defamatory Content is ex facie false, fabricated, malicious, abusive and grossly defamatory per se, and constitutes defamation in law. Further, the Deep Fake Content exploits the Plaintiff's personality and publicity rights, without his knowledge, consent or authorisation," Gadkari has said in the proposed suit.Advocate Sandeep S Ladda appeared for Gadkari.Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh represented Union Ministry of Information & Technology.Case Title: Nitin Jairam Gadkari vs Meta Platforms [IA(L)/25165/2026]Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Bom) 363Click Here To Read/Download Order

E20 Petrol Policy: Bombay High Court Orders Takedown Of 'Defamatory' AI Videos Against Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

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E20 Petrol Policy: Bombay High Court Orders Takedown Of 'Defamatory' AI Videos Against Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

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