India’s road transport minister, Nitin Gadkari, filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against Meta and other leading technology companies, seeking 110 million rupees (approximately $1.14 million) in damages over allegedly defamatory social media posts. The legal action was initiated in the Bombay High Court amid rising controversy surrounding India’s ethanol-blending fuel policy.

The lawsuit centers on viral online content that links Gadkari to the government’s E20 biofuel program, which mandates the use of petrol containing 20 percent ethanol. This initiative is part of India’s broader strategy to reduce dependence on imported oil and lower vehicle emissions. However, the program has faced criticism after social media posts claimed that E20 fuel damages engines and increases maintenance costs for vehicles designed for lower ethanol blends.

Gadkari’s suit contends that these posts falsely attribute the government’s policy directly to him and his family, alleging that they have financially benefited from the initiative. His office characterized the disputed content as "deepfakes," arguing that the posts and videos have caused irreparable damage to his reputation.

In addition to Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, the lawsuit names X Corp, Google, and other technology firms as defendants. India represents one of Meta’s largest markets in terms of user base and engagement, with the highest number of Facebook and Instagram users globally.

While the legal action underscores tensions surrounding misinformation and the role of social media, there was no immediate response from Meta regarding the lawsuit. The Indian government has increasingly tightened regulations over social media platforms, frequently issuing takedown orders and urging compliance to address content deemed objectionable or misleading.

The case reflects ongoing challenges in balancing digital freedom, misinformation control, and reputational rights amidst India’s push for environmental and energy policy reforms.