On Monday (March 3), the Supreme Court lifted the restriction imposed on YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia. The court allowed him to resume his show “The Ranveer Show.” However, the court put the condition that he furnish an undertaking and ensure that his content maintains decency and morality, making it suitable for viewers of all age groups.
The restriction had been imposed by the apex court as a condition for granting interim protection from arrest in connection with FIRs registered by the Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Assam police for obscenity over his comments made in the YouTube show “India’s Got Latent.”
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh also directed that his shows must not comment on sub-judice matters. Justice Kant expressed strong displeasure over one of the accused making statements about the case on a show abroad.
“These youngsters are being oversmart…they think we are an outdated generation probably…one of them has gone to Canada and spoke there…they don’t know the jurisdiction which this Court enjoys and what probably can be done. We don’t want to act, because they are young, we understand,” remarked Justice Kant. In response, Allahbadia’s advocate said that he had no connection with the person who made those comments.
Strong Observations from the Court
While granting interim relief, Justice Kant critical remarks about Allahbadia’s language, calling it “dirty” and “perverted.”
“If this is not obscenity, then what is obscenity?” the judge questioned.
Addressing concerns over alleged death threats to Allahbadia, the Court assured that the State would handle his security. However, Justice Kant repeated the severity of the remarks made.
“The words which you have used—parents will feel shamed. Sisters and daughters will feel ashamed. The entire society will feel shamed. It shows a perverted mind,” he said.
The Supreme Court’s scrutiny of the case has also sparked a debate on online content regulation. The bench asked the government to devise a balanced framework that protects both freedom of expression and public morality.
Allahbadia’s Plea for Relief
At the outset, Senior Advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, who appeared for Allahbadia, submitted an application requesting the modification of the condition restraining him from airing any show. He assured the court that his client would not use profane language and intended to host discussions with spiritual leaders and professionals. Chandrachud also pointed out that Allahbadia employs 280 individuals and is solely dependent on YouTube videos and podcasts for his livelihood.
Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, representing the Union, Maharashtra, and Assam governments, countered by emphasizing the extreme nature of the content.
“I watched the ‘India’s Got Latent’ show out of curiosity, and the perversity in the program is of another level. Forget a man and a woman, even two men cannot sit together and watch the show. Myself and the learned Attorney General cannot sit together and watch the show. Your lordships will not be able to sit together and watch the show,” SG Mehta said in the court. He further argued that Allahbadia had not complied with the condition to cooperate with the Assam Police’s investigation.
Chandrachud countered the claim and argued saying that Allahbadia had responded to the Guwahati police’s notice but had not received a reply regarding the date and time for the appearance. Justice Kant then directed the SG to instruct the investigating officer to communicate the required details to Allahbadia.
Supreme Court Calls for Regulation of Online Content
During the hearing, the Supreme Court also raised concerns over the lack of regulation in online media.
“We don’t want any regulatory regime that leads to censorship…but it can’t be a free-for-all. See the quality of humor hehas…humor is something the entire family can enjoy, without anyone feeling embarrassed. Using all filthy language is not talent,” Justice Kant observed.
SG Mehta concurred, stating, “If you have to use vulgarity to make me laugh, then you are not a good comedian.”
The bench directed the Union Government to explore regulatory measures that would prevent the telecast of content violating moral standards while safeguarding fundamental rights under Article 19.
“Any draft regulatory measure in this regard can then be put in the public domain to invite suggestions from stakeholders. We are inclined to expand the scope of these proceedings,” the court noted.
The Controversy and Legal Proceedings
Allahbadia, popularly known as BeerBiceps, along with YouTube personalities Samay Raina, Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, and Apoorva Makhija, became embroiled in controversy after explicit video clips from “India’s Got Latent” went viral. A particular remark made by Allahbadia—”Would you rather watch your parents. do sex or join in once and stop it forever?”—sparked massive outrage.
Following public backlash, Raina deleted all episodes of the show from his YouTube channel, while Allahbadia issued a public apology, admitting that his comments were inappropriate. However, on February 10, the Guwahati Police registered an FIR against five content creators for “promoting obscenity and engaging in sexually explicit and vulgar discussion.” The Maharashtra Cyber Department and Jaipur Police also filed cases in relation to the matter.
Seeking relief, Allahbadia and Chanchlani approached the Supreme Court for the quashing or clubbing of multiple FIRs. On February 18, the Court issued a notice to the respondents and granted Allahbadia interim protection from arrest in the FIRs filed in Mumbai, Guwahati, and Jaipur, while also prohibiting the registration of any further FIRs based on the episode.
