Political commentator and entrepreneur Tehseen Poonawalla has alleged that he was placed under house arrest by the Delhi Police before he could begin a planned peaceful protest against the Centre’s E20 ethanol-blended petrol policy. According to Poonawalla, police personnel were stationed outside his residence in Greater Kailash-I, New Delhi, preventing him from leaving for the demonstration.
Tehseen Poonawalla Alleges House Arrest Ahead of Planned E20 Fuel Protest
In videos shared on social media, Poonawalla claimed that he had not been provided with any written detention order or legal documents explaining the restrictions. He questioned the basis of the police action, stating that he was being prevented from exercising his democratic right to protest peacefully. The police, he said, informed him that the proposed march could potentially create a law-and-order situation and requested his cooperation.
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Solo Protest Against E20 Policy
Poonawalla had announced that he would undertake a solo march to Gandhi Smriti followed by a hunger strike to express opposition to the mandatory use of E20 fuel. The decision came after authorities reportedly denied permission for an earlier “Gaadi March” that had been planned near Parliament.
The activist has been among the prominent critics of the government’s ethanol-blended fuel programme and has repeatedly questioned the impact of E20 petrol on vehicles that were not originally designed to operate with higher ethanol content.
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Demand for Consumer Choice
One of the key demands raised by Poonawalla and his campaign group is that consumers should have the option to purchase regular petrol alongside E5 and E10 fuel variants instead of being limited to E20. They argue that motorists should be free to choose the fuel most suitable for their vehicles.
Representatives of the campaign recently met Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri to present these concerns, but no public commitment was made regarding changes to the fuel policy.
Debate Over E20 Fuel Continues
The rollout of E20 petrol has sparked a wider public debate in recent weeks. Some vehicle owners have alleged reduced fuel efficiency and increased maintenance expenses after switching to the fuel, particularly in older vehicles.
On the other hand, the government maintains that extensive testing has found E20 to be safe for compatible vehicles and highlights its environmental benefits, including reduced emissions. Officials have also acknowledged that ethanol-blended fuel may result in a modest reduction in mileage but have denied claims of widespread engine damage.
What Happens Next?
With his planned march disrupted, it remains uncertain whether Poonawalla will resume his protest at a later stage or pursue other forms of public campaign against the E20 policy. The episode has added fresh attention to the ongoing debate surrounding ethanol-blended fuel and the balance between environmental objectives, consumer choice, and public protest.