The Bombay High Court has ordered Meta, Google LLC and X Corp to immediately remove AI-generated deepfake videos and other online content that allegedly defames Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari by falsely associating him with the Centre's E20 ethanol-blended fuel policy.
Justice Arif Doctor, while granting interim relief to Gadkari, observed that the content in question was prima facie abusive, obscene and defamatory. The Court said such material should not continue to remain available on public platforms, especially when it can be easily accessed by people of all age groups.
During the hearing, the Court also raised concerns about the role of major technology companies in tackling AI-generated misinformation. It questioned whether platforms like Meta, Google and X have sufficient mechanisms to automatically detect and remove defamatory or manipulated content. The Court noted that companies with advanced technological capabilities should be able to identify and act against such material without requiring every affected individual to approach the judiciary.
The High Court further clarified that if similar defamatory content or AI-generated deepfakes targeting Gadkari are uploaded in the future, he would be free to approach the concerned platforms directly for their prompt removal. It also stressed that technology companies should strengthen their systems to deal with such content more effectively and reduce the need for repeated court intervention.
The matter has been listed for further hearing after four weeks, and the respondents have been directed to file their replies.
Background of the Dispute
The interim order comes in a civil suit filed by Nitin Gadkari against Meta, Google LLC, X Corp and several unidentified persons over AI-generated deepfake content and manipulated social media posts related to the E20 ethanol-blended petrol programme.
In his suit, Gadkari has sought the immediate removal of the allegedly defamatory content, a permanent injunction restraining its further circulation, and damages amounting to ₹11 crore.
According to the petition, the fabricated posts falsely claim that Gadkari was personally responsible for introducing or implementing the E20 ethanol-blending policy and that he and his family financially benefited from it. He has denied these allegations, describing them as completely false, misleading and damaging to his reputation and personality rights.
Gadkari has also clarified that the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, including the E20 policy, falls under the jurisdiction of the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, not the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. He has maintained that he has no role in framing or implementing the policy.
The minister further stated that the purpose of the lawsuit is not to suppress public debate or criticism of government policies. Instead, it is intended to prevent the spread of fabricated AI-generated content that falsely attributes responsibility to him and harms his reputation through misleading and defamatory allegations.
The case highlights the growing legal challenges posed by AI-generated deepfakes and underscores the increasing responsibility of digital platforms to act swiftly against false and defamatory content circulating online.
