Key facts
- FIR filed against Manish Kashyap and three others over misinformation
- Case relates to ethanol blending programme and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari
- BJP separately sought police action against influencers in the 'E20 row'
- Kashyap accused of spreading false claims about the E20 fuel blending policy
An FIR has been lodged against YouTuber Manish Kashyap and three other individuals for allegedly spreading misinformation about India's ethanol blending programme and Union Minister for Road Transport Nitin Gadkari, in a case that has rapidly escalated into a political and legal flashpoint.
The BJP has also independently sought police action against influencers accused of 'tarnishing' Gadkari's image through social media posts related to what commentators are calling the 'E20 row' — a controversy surrounding the government's push to blend 20% ethanol in petrol. Critics online alleged negative consequences from the programme, claims the government has characterised as false and defamatory.
Manish Kashyap, who commands a large following on YouTube and has previously been in legal trouble over viral videos, is the most prominent name among those charged. The case brings into sharp relief the legal risks of social media commentary on government schemes, particularly when such commentary involves named ministers.
The development is being watched closely both by the digital media community and by civil liberties advocates, who have raised concerns about the use of FIRs as a tool to silence criticism of government policies. The government, for its part, has framed the action as a legitimate response to deliberate falsehoods.