Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari approached the Bombay High Court. He challenged alleged deepfake videos and defamatory posts circulating on social media platforms. These posts claimed Gadkari and his family gained financial benefits from the E20 ethanol programme. However, Gadkari called these claims false, misleading and defamatory. Through his petition, Gadkari sought action against Meta, other social media platforms and unidentified individuals. He alleged that these platforms allowed false content to spread online.
According to the petition, people created and published misleading material against him. Gadkari also demanded legal action against those responsible.
Gadkari Rejects Claims Linking Family With E20 Benefits
Gadkari stated that all allegations against him lack any factual basis. He told the court that the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry manages the ethanol blending programme.
Furthermore, he clarified that his ministry does not handle this scheme. Therefore, claims about financial benefits for him or his family remain baseless.
The petition also mentioned disputed content available outside Mumbai. Hence, Gadkari first requested court permission under Clause 12 of Letters Patent.
This process applies when a dispute connects partly outside the court’s jurisdiction.
Bombay High Court Allows Civil Action Against Platforms
Justice Abhay Ahuja’s bench heard the matter at the Bombay High Court. Gadkari’s lawyer argued that the posts appeared across multiple locations. Additionally, the lawyer said the content spread widely through online platforms. Therefore, the Bombay High Court had jurisdiction to hear the matter.
After hearing all arguments, the court allowed Gadkari to file a civil suit. The case targets social media platforms and unidentified individuals.
The proposed lawsuit aims to remove alleged defamatory and deepfake content. It also seeks accountability from those spreading false and misleading claims
