Not responsible for E20 fuel: Here is what Nitin Gadkari has claimed in his suit before Bombay High Court

Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari has moved the Bombay High Court against Meta, X and Google, seeking to take down abusive posts and AI-generated deepfakes including posts linking him and his family to the government's E20 ethanol-blending programme and alleged corruption around it. 

Gadkari has come in the line of the fire over the past few months for introducing E20 petrol in the country, a blend of 20 percent ethanol and 80 percent petrol.

The E20 programme is a key part of the Indian government's strategy to reduce crude oil imports, lower emissions and promote the use of domestically produced biofuels.

However, the introduction of E20 fuel has sparked concerns that older vehicles not specifically designed for E20 may experience compatibility issues, fuel system corrosion and reduced fuel efficiency.

Manufacturers have now increasingly introduced E20-compatible vehicles, but questions remain over the compatibility of vehicles sold prior to 2023.

Recently, a district consumer disputes redressal commission at Chhattisgarh's Raipur ordered car manufacturer Maruti Suzuki to give a new Grand Vitara car with an E20-compatible engine to a man whose car broke down allegedly due to the use of E20 fuel.

Automotive enthusiasts and experts have become increasingly vocal against Gadkari for thrusting E20 fuel without giving vehicle owners the option to opt for normal fuel which has less ethanol.

Through the suit, Gadkari has claimed that he had no role in formulating or implementing E20, a policy handled by the petroleum ministry.

It is his case that viral reels, memes and fabricated quotes have crossed the line from political criticism into targeted defamation. 

What exactly has Gadkari claimed in his suit?

Read to find out.

Who has Gadkari sued, and why?

Gadkari's civil suit before the Bombay High Court has been filed against Meta (Facebook and Instagram), X (formerly Twitter), Google/YouTube, Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Department of Telecommunications and a bunch of unknown users described as “Ashok Kumar/John Doe”.

John Doe orders are blanket cease and desist injunctions that are issued against anonymous entities. They are usually passed in suits involving infringement of intellectual property rights since it is often practically impossible to track down every infringing party.

He has sought permanent and mandatory injunctions to take down allegedly manipulated videos and images described as AI‑generated “defamatory content” and “deep fake content”. He says these falsely link him personally to the E20 programme and attack his reputation.

Not responsible, has no role in E20 programme

One of the main arguments raised by Gadkari is that he is not the person responsible for introduction or implementation of the E20 programme.

According to his suit, the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) was introduced way back in 2003 by the Government of India to reduce India's dependence on imported crude oil, enhance energy security and promote the use of renewable and indigenous sources of energy.

The policy to blend ethanol with petrol was progressively expanded, culminating in 20% blending (E20) in the 2025‑26. This was done in a phased manner and is a matter of public record, Gadkari has claimed.

Gadkari’s core argument is that he has no role or nexus with the EBP or E20 initiative, either as minister in charge or in any other capacity.

It is his case that EBP/E20 was conceived, formulated, administered and implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) and not by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

The latter is entirely distinct, both administratively and functionally, from the former.

Gadkari has claimed that he has never been the minister in charge of MoPNG and has never exercised any executive, statutory, administrative, regulatory, financial or policy-making powers whatsoever with respect to the EBP.

However, defamatory and deepfake content is being circulated holding him responsible for EBP programme, the suit states.

False claims that his family members derive benefits from E20

One of the main allegations against the minister is that his son has derived undue benefits from the E20 programme.

According to allegations, Gadkari's son Nikhil Gadkari runs CIAN Agro Industries & Infrastructure Limited, a company engaged in manufacturing ethanol and other products. Thus, he directly benefits from the ethanol blending of petrol.

However, Gadkari has denied these allegations.

The suit relies on a series of posts, reels and videos which allegedly blame him personally for introducing or mandating E20 petrol and for alleged vehicle damage due to ethanol blends.

He has alleged that the content insinuates that his family have “derived undue pecuniary benefits from E20” implying corruption, conflict of interest and abuse of office.

He has argued that these imputations are false and amount to “documentary falsity” because they are directly contradicted by official records showing the programme is run by MoPNG.

Posts against him have cross the line of fair criticism

Gadkari' s plea states that he does not seek to curb “fair, just and bona fide criticism” of policy or his public life.

However, he contends that much of the content under challenge consists of profane and abusive language and fabricated quotes and visuals. 

This he claims falls outside the ambit of legitimate political criticism or satire regardless of whether the underlying policy critique is true.

What content has Gadkari flagged in his plea?

The suit details 26 links containing face‑swap videos, AI‑generated images and cartoons that allegedly use his name, face, voice and mannerisms without consent.

He claims these amount to unauthorised commercial and digital appropriation of his identity, infringing his personality and publicity rights.

Gadkari has demanded damages to the tune of ₹11 crores from the defendants. The plea will be heard by Justice Arif Doctor.