Nitin Gadkari has filed a lawsuit against Meta and several other technology firms, seeking $1.14 million in damages over alleged defamatory social media posts linking him to India’s ethanol-blending fuel programme.
The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday at the Bombay High Court as India continues to implement its E20 biofuel strategy, a policy designed to reduce dependence on imported crude oil and lower carbon emissions.
According to Gadkari’s office, the lawsuit alleges that viral social media content falsely portrayed the minister as being personally responsible for the government’s E20 policy.
The suit further claims the posts accused Gadkari and members of his family of financially benefiting from the programme.
Gadkari is seeking 110 million rupees ($1.14 million) in damages, arguing that the alleged deepfake videos and posts have caused “irreparable harm” to his reputation.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit.
In addition to Meta, the suit reportedly names X Corp, Google and several other entities.
The legal action comes amid growing debate over E20 petrol, a fuel blend containing 20% ethanol. Viral posts have claimed the fuel damages engines and increases maintenance costs for vehicles originally designed for lower ethanol blends.
The Indian government has defended the programme, maintaining that higher ethanol blending is an important step toward improving energy security and reducing emissions.
India remains the world’s largest market for Facebook and Instagram users, making it one of Meta’s most significant markets by reach and user engagement.
The government has also tightened regulations on social media platforms in recent years, requiring companies to remove certain content and comply with official takedown orders.
