Mumbai, July 27: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has initiated legal proceedings in the Bombay High Court to address digital posts and manipulated media linking his family to commercial gains from the national E20 ethanol blending program.
The High Court granted permission to file a civil suit targeting Meta, major social media networks, and unidentified accounts associated with spreading disputed content regarding the bio-fuel initiative.
“The ethanol blending policy operates under the direct administration of the Petroleum Ministry,” asserted Gadkari in the legal filings, refuting claims of personal or familial commercial involvement.
The suit addresses circulated posts, deepfake imagery, and video clips that surfaced alongside online discussions about vehicle performance and higher ethanol blends.
Government testing agencies and vehicle manufacturers have affirmed that certified automobiles undergo rigorous safety tests for E20 usage, attributing reported engine issues to fuel contamination or general maintenance rather than the blend itself.
Central policy continues to support expanded ethanol blending to decrease crude oil import reliance, lower overall emissions, and bolster agricultural feedstock production.
