Bombay HC Allows Gadkari to Sue Tech Giants Over Defamatory Ethanol Posts
The Bombay High Court allowed Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to initiate legal proceedings against Meta, Google, X, and other unnamed entities over social media content falsely linking him to the Centre's Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP). Justice Abhay Ahuja granted leave for Gadkari to file a substantive civil suit seeking removal of the defamatory content and ₹11 crore in damages. Gadkari clarified that he had no role in the EBP's policy decisions, despite serving as Union Minister for Road Transport since 2014. He identified at least 24 defamatory posts and intends to approach the Supreme Court on the matter.
Key Points
- The Bombay High Court permitted Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to sue Meta, Google, and X over defamatory social media posts.
- The posts falsely link Gadkari to the Centre's Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) policy decisions.
- Gadkari seeks the removal of the content and ₹11 crore in damages.
- He clarified that he had no role in the EBP's policy decisions, despite his ministerial position.
Exam Facts
- Union Minister Nitin Gadkari was granted leave by Justice Abhay Ahuja.
- The Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) was introduced by the Centre in 2003.
- The implementation of 20% ethanol blending with petrol (E20) was achieved during the 2025-26 period.
- Gadkari identified at least 24 defamatory posts.
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