HC Orders Removal of Abusive Posts Targeting Nitin Gadkari

Mumbai, Aug 05 : The Bombay High Court has ordered the immediate removal of allegedly defamatory and abusive online content targeting Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, observing that such material is “vile, obscene and defamatory” and should not remain accessible on digital platforms.

Hearing an interim plea filed by Gadkari, Justice Arif Doctor directed Meta, X Corp and Google LLC to promptly remove the disputed posts from their platforms. The court noted that the content appeared prima facie offensive and unsuitable for public access, particularly considering its potential impact on younger internet users.

During the hearing, the bench questioned whether major technology companies have adequate systems to automatically identify and remove blatantly abusive or vulgar content without requiring affected individuals to seek judicial intervention.

Justice Doctor remarked that with advanced technological capabilities available to digital platforms, stronger mechanisms should exist to detect harmful posts and trigger swift removal. The court observed that online platforms should proactively address such content instead of waiting for legal proceedings.

The High Court further stated that if similar defamatory material, including deepfakes or AI-generated content, is uploaded in the future, Gadkari may directly approach the concerned platforms, which would be expected to take prompt action. The court also underlined the need for a long-term framework that enables platforms to respond quickly to such complaints without forcing victims to repeatedly approach the courts.

The matter has been listed for further hearing after four weeks, with the respondents directed to file their replies before the next date.

Gadkari had moved the High Court last week seeking legal action against Meta, X Corp, Google LLC and unidentified individuals over the circulation of allegedly fabricated content linked to the ethanol-blended fuel programme. Through his petition, filed by advocate Sandeep Ladda, the Union Minister sought immediate removal of the disputed material, a permanent injunction against its circulation, and ₹11 crore in damages for the alleged harm caused to his reputation.

According to the petition, several AI-generated videos, deepfakes and misleading social media posts falsely portrayed Gadkari as personally responsible for the ethanol blending programme while also alleging that he and his family had gained financially from the policy. The suit contends that these claims are baseless, malicious and intended to damage his public image.

The petition also clarifies that the ethanol-blending initiative and the E20 fuel policy are administered by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas rather than by Gadkari in his personal capacity. It further states that the legal action is not aimed at restricting fair criticism or legitimate public debate, but seeks protection against fabricated allegations and manipulated digital content that allegedly cross the boundaries of lawful expression.