Bombay High Court permits Nitin Gadkari to sue Meta, Google, X over ethanol-linked deepfake posts
The Bombay High Court has granted Union Minister Nitin Gadkari permission to sue Meta, Google, and X over deepfake content falsely linking him to corruption in the Ethanol Blending Programme. The Minister seeks the removal of these posts, which he claims maliciously damage his reputation.
Why it matters
The case highlights the growing legal challenges regarding deepfakes, misinformation, and the liability of social media platforms in India.
The Bombay High Court on Monday (July 27, 2026) allowed Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to initiate legal proceedings against Meta , Google, X and other unnamed entities over social media content that he alleged falsely links him to the Centre’s Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) .
Justice Abhay Ahuja, presiding over a single-judge Bench, granted Mr. Gadkari leave to file a substantive civil suit, seeking relief that includes the removal of the content in question from the internet.
The petition was moved under Clause XII of the Letters Patent. This procedural requirement necessitates the High Court’s permission when a part of the cause of action arises outside the High Court’s territorial jurisdiction. Mr. Gadkari also indicated his intention to approach the Supreme Court in the matter. A detailed order is awaited.
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