Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has approached the Bombay High Court with a ₹11 crore defamation suit, alleging that AI-generated deepfakes, manipulated videos and fabricated social media posts have falsely linked him and his family to the Centre’s E20 ethanol-blending programme and corruption allegations.
The lawsuit seeks damages, removal of the disputed content and protection of Gadkari’s personality rights, claiming that his identity has been misused through digital manipulation and false narratives circulating across multiple online platforms.
Gadkari Denies Role in E20 Programme
In the 86-page petition, Gadkari stated that he has no role in framing, administering or implementing the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) or the E20 initiative.
According to the petition, the programme is administered by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), while Gadkari heads the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
The suit further explains that the Ethanol Blending Programme originated as a Government of India policy in 2003 and has progressively expanded to the current target of 20% ethanol blending for the 2025-26 ethanol supply year.
AI Deepfakes and Fabricated Content Under Scanner
The petition alleges that several viral reels, memes, AI-generated videos, manipulated images and fabricated quotes falsely portray Gadkari as the architect of the E20 policy while accusing him and his family of receiving financial benefits from the programme.
The minister contends that these claims are unsupported by official government records and amount to defamation through the dissemination of false digital content.
According to the suit, AI-generated face-swaps, voice cloning and other manipulated media have been used without his consent, violating his personality and publicity rights.
Multiple Platforms Named as Defendants
The petition names several entities as defendants, including:
- Meta (Facebook and Instagram)
- X
- YouTube
- Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
- Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
- Unidentified individuals listed as Ashok Kumar/John Doe
The suit seeks court directions requiring these platforms to remove the disputed content and prevent further circulation.
Seeks Removal of 26 Online Links
Gadkari has requested permanent and mandatory injunctions directing the removal of 26 identified online links containing allegedly defamatory material.
The petition argues that while public debate and criticism of government policies are legitimate, the disputed content crosses the line by using fabricated visuals, abusive language and false statements that damage his reputation.
Apart from seeking takedown orders, Gadkari has also sought ₹11 crore in damages for the alleged harm caused by the circulation of manipulated content.
The matter is scheduled to be heard before the Bombay High Court.
FAQs
1. Why has Nitin Gadkari filed a defamation suit?
He alleges that AI-generated deepfakes, manipulated videos and fabricated social media posts falsely linked him to the E20 programme and corruption allegations.
2. How much compensation has Gadkari sought?
He has sought ₹11 crore in damages.
3. Which court is hearing the case?
The matter has been filed before the Bombay High Court.
4. What is the E20 programme?
E20 refers to the government’s ethanol blending initiative that aims for 20% ethanol blending in petrol under the Ethanol Blending Programme.
5. What role does Gadkari claim he has in the E20 programme?
He states that he has no role in formulating or implementing the programme, which falls under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
6. Which platforms have been named in the lawsuit?
The petition names Meta, X, Google, YouTube, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Department of Telecommunications and unidentified individuals.
7. What kind of content is being challenged?
The suit targets AI-generated deepfakes, face-swap videos, manipulated images, fabricated quotes, memes and other allegedly defamatory social media content.
8. How many online links has Gadkari sought to remove?
The petition seeks the removal of 26 allegedly defamatory links.
9. Does the suit oppose criticism of government policies?
No. The petition states that it does not seek to restrict fair criticism or public debate but challenges allegedly false and manipulated content.
10. What legal relief has Gadkari requested?
He has sought removal of the content, permanent injunctions against further misuse of his identity and ₹11 crore in damages.
