Nitin Gadkari moves Bombay HC against ‘defamatory posts, deepfake' linking him, his family to E20 profits

Union minister Nitin Gadkari reportedly moved Bombay High Court alleging defamatory posts and deepfakes targeting him over the government E20 ethanol blend fuel policy. According to a Bar and Bench report, the BJP leader has sought to file a civil suit against Meta, X, Google and others over the content, and the court has granted this request.Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has reportedly moved Bombay High Court (File photo)He has alleged that some content on social media is linking him and his family to E20 profits despite the policy being run by the Petroleum Ministry, the legal publication said.His plea alleges that some social media posts are falsely claiming that he was responsible for the programme and that him and his family have had its monetary benefits, and these claims have caused “grave and irreparable” injury to his reputation."These allegations are false, malicious and grossly defamatory without an iota of truth,” the plea reportedly says.He has also alleged the use of AI‑manipulated audio‑visuals that mimic his facial features and voice without consent.The E20 row and Gadkari's defenceThe development comes amid criticism of the E20 policy, which holds provision for 20% ethanol to be blended in petrol in order to curb fuel imports and lower vehicle emissions. However, several vehicle owners have flagged concerns with its usage, especially in the vehicle models manufactured before 2023.However, Gadkari has always backed the ethanol-blending programme. Earlier this month, he even threw a big challenge to critics, asking them to name one single car that had suffered problems because of the fuel.“There is no case of any car facing issues due to E20 petrol. Has there been any car in the country that faced issues due to the use of E20 petrol? Just name one”, news agency PTI had quoted him as saying.