The Supreme Court provided a significant relief to YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia on Tuesday, granting him interim protection from arrest in relation to multiple FIRs filed across India due to his controversial comments on the show “India’s Got Latent.” The court ruled that no additional FIRs can be filed against him concerning the episode. However, Allahbadia was instructed to surrender his passport to the police and was forbidden from leaving the country without prior court approval. His interim protection is conditional upon full cooperation with ongoing investigations.
The court expressed strong disapproval of Allahbadia’s remarks, questioning the limits of free speech and condemning his behavior. The bench, led by Justice Surya Kant, criticized Allahbadia’s comments as vulgar and offensive, stating that his words would shame parents, sisters, and society at large. The bench further questioned his sense of responsibility, asserting that no one, regardless of their popularity, should be allowed to speak in such a manner. The court also responded to Allahbadia’s claims of receiving threats, suggesting that seeking publicity through offensive language could encourage others to do the same.
Allahbadia, who has been named in multiple FIRs, including by Maharashtra Cyber Department, Guwahati Police, and Jaipur Police, has been asked to appear before the Maharashtra Cyber Cell on February 24. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also summoned him and others involved for questioning. The controversy began after Allahbadia made offensive remarks about “parents and sex” on the show, prompting widespread outrage and police action. Other YouTubers involved, including Samay Raina, Ashish Chanchlani, and Jaspreet Singh, are also facing legal scrutiny.
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