Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has approached the Bombay High Court against individuals accused of spreading defamatory content online in connection with ethanol-blended fuel.
With global crude oil prices rising and supply concerns linked to war-related tensions, the Centre has been focusing on rolling out E20 petrol—petrol blended with 20% ethanol. Amid this push, social media posts have circulated allegations targeting the E20 programme and the minister.
According to the petition, defamatory claims and deepfake videos were shared online alleging that Gadkari and his family were profiting from the ethanol-blended petrol initiative. Gadkari has sought legal action over these allegations.
Earlier, Gadkari’s side had sought the court’s permission to initiate proceedings against Meta, X and Google. Justice Abhay Ahuja allowed the request, accepting submissions made by Gadkari’s counsel, Sandeep S. Latta.
