New Delhi (National Times): In a case that has sparked heated debates on freedom of expression versus public decency, the Supreme Court on Tuesday (February 18) granted interim protection to YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia (Beer Biceps) in multiple FIRs filed over alleged obscene remarks in an episode of “India’s Got Latent.”
A bench led by Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh stayed Allahbadia’s arrest but imposed conditions, including cooperation with the investigation and a temporary ban on airing further shows. He was also required to submit his passport. The court further ruled that no new FIRs would be registered for the same show.
While granting relief, the bench delivered a scathing critique of Allahbadia’s language, calling it “dirty” and “perverted.” Justice Kant questioned Allahbadia’s counsel, Abhinav Chandrachud, on whether such language could be defended. Although Chandrachud admitted to being “disgusted” by the remarks, he argued that they did not amount to a criminal offense, citing precedent that profanity alone does not constitute obscenity.
The court, however, appeared unswayed. “If this is not obscenity, then what is?” Justice Kant asked, suggesting that Allahbadia’s statements were deeply offensive and degrading to societal values. He went further to remark, “There is something very dirty in his mind, which has been vomited by him in the program.”
Allahbadia’s defense also pointed out that he was facing multiple FIRs across different states for the same offense, which violates legal principles against duplicate criminal proceedings. Nonetheless, the court noted that some FIRs pertained to different aspects of the case, such as derogatory remarks allegedly made against people from Arunachal Pradesh.
The controversy erupted after an episode of comedian Samay Raina’s YouTube show “India’s Got Latent” went viral. The episode, featuring Allahbadia along with Ashish Chanchlani and other influencers, drew backlash for its explicit content. Following the outrage, Raina deleted all episodes and issued an apology, while Allahbadia also publicly expressed regret.
The case has reignited debates around censorship, free speech, and the boundaries of humor in digital content. Some argue that such legal actions stifle creative expression, while others believe there should be stricter regulations on public figures promoting explicit content.
Meanwhile, YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani has approached the Gauhati High Court seeking anticipatory bail in relation to the same case. Allahbadia, who was recently honored with the “Disruptor of the Year” award by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, now finds himself at the center of a legal and ethical storm, raising important questions about content responsibility in the digital era.
