NationalMonday, 27 July 2026·The Hindu - National
Bombay High Court allows Nitin Gadkari to sue Meta, Google and X over EBP-linked deepfake posts
The Bombay High Court permitted Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to file a civil suit against Meta, Google and X over allegedly defamatory posts linked to the Ethanol Blending Programme.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On July 27, 2026, the Bombay High Court allowed Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to file a civil suit against Meta, Google and X over allegedly defamatory social media posts linked to the Centre’s Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP).
Key specifics
- The petition was heard by Justice Abhay Ahuja of the Bombay High Court.
- The case was moved under Clause XII of the Letters Patent.
- The Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) was introduced by the Central government in 2003.
- India achieved 20% ethanol blending with petrol, called E20, during the 2025-2026 period.
- Gadkari said he has served as Union Minister for Road Transport since 2014 and sought damages of ₹11 crore.
Exam lens
Question type: polity and governance, court procedure, Clause XII of the Letters Patent, EBP 2003, E20 in 2025-2026, ₹11 crore damages. TNPSC may ask which court allowed the suit and what programme was at the centre of the dispute.