Bombay HC Orders Meta, Google, X to Remove Gadkari Defamation Content

The Bombay High Court has ordered major social media platforms, including Meta, Google, and X, to remove online content that falsely links Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and his family to financial gains from India’s ethanol-blending program.

Union Minister Gadkari initiated a defamation suit, asserting that the claims were fabricated and amplified through manipulated digital content. This included AI-generated deepfakes, leading the court to deem the identified material as prima facie defamatory.

Understanding the Allegations

Gadkari’s petition clearly stated that the ethanol blending program falls under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. It does not fall under his Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, directly refuting the alleged conflict of interest.

This clarification was central to debunking the false claims circulating online. The court’s decision underscores the importance of factual accuracy in digital content, especially concerning public figures.

Court’s Mandate and Future Protections

The court’s ruling offers ongoing protection to Minister Gadkari. It requires the removal of any similar content that might surface online in the future, upon his explicit request.

Gadkari is seeking Rs 11 crore in damages from the platforms. He also demands a permanent injunction against the continued dissemination of the defamatory content across the internet.

This case highlights the increasing legal challenges posed by AI-generated misinformation. It also brings into focus the accountability of technology platforms in effectively addressing such issues.