Agencies, New Delhi, February 19, 2025: In a landmark development, the Supreme Court on Tuesday granted interim protection from arrest to popular YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, following controversial remarks made during his appearance on the comedy show India’s Got Latent. Allahbadia, who is facing multiple FIRs for his offensive comments, has been ordered to cooperate with investigations and join the ongoing probe into the matter.
The Supreme Court, while offering temporary relief to the influencer, strongly condemned his conduct, questioning the appropriateness of his remarks. Justice Surya Kant, expressing disapproval, stated that Allahbadia’s language reflected a “very dirty” mindset and had insulted not just parents but society at large. “There is something dirty in this person’s mind that has been spread through this program. Why should the courts favour him?” Justice Kant remarked. He further added, “Somebody thinks that because I have become so and so popular, I can speak any kind of words and take the entire society for granted… you tell us anyone in the world who would like such words!”
Allahbadia had filed a plea seeking the consolidation of multiple FIRs lodged against him due to his remarks on India’s Got Latent. The comments, made during the episode aired on February 8, have sparked public outrage. The remarks about “parents and sex” were widely condemned for being obscene and vulgar, leading to the deletion of the episode from YouTube and an apology from Allahbadia, who admitted the remarks were inappropriate and “not even funny.”
At least three FIRs have been filed against Allahbadia so far—one in Assam, another in Mumbai, and a recent one in Jaipur. Authorities in both Mumbai and Guwahati have reported that the influencer has been “continuously out of contact.” Despite multiple summonses from the Maharashtra Cyber Department, Guwahati Police, and the National Commission for Women (NCW), Allahbadia has not responded, prompting a fresh summons from the Maharashtra Cyber Department, which has set February 24 as the deadline for his appearance.
The Supreme Court’s intervention came amidst growing concerns about the unchecked nature of content on platforms like YouTube. Justice Kant raised the issue of social media regulations, suggesting that if the government did not step in, the court would have no choice but to take action itself. “If Government of India will willingly do it, we will be very happy. Otherwise, we are not going to leave this vacuum and this area… the way it is being misused by so-called YouTube channels,” he said, also asking for the presence of the Attorney General and Solicitor General at the next hearing.
The Supreme Court’s remarks also underscored the gravity of the matter, emphasizing the emotional toll such content can have on families. “The words you have used will make daughters, sisters, parents, and society feel ashamed. If this is not obscenity, then what is?” Justice Kant further questioned, condemning the nature of the remarks as reflecting a “perverted mind.”
This case has reignited the ongoing debate surrounding freedom of speech and online content regulation in India. While some defend the freedom of expression within the realm of comedy, others argue for stricter controls to curb the proliferation of inappropriate material online. The Supreme Court’s recent observations suggest that a broader crackdown on explicit content could be imminent, with regulations potentially being imposed on platforms like YouTube if the government does not take action.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the Maharashtra Cyber Department has summoned 42 individuals linked to India’s Got Latent, including artists, producers, and other influencers. Statements have already been recorded from several participants, including Devesh Dixit, Raghu Ram, and others.
In addition to Allahbadia, FIRs have also been filed against other prominent YouTubers, including Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, and Apoorva Makhija (aka The Rebel Kid), as part of the investigation into the controversial content.
For now, the court has imposed several restrictions on Allahbadia, including the surrendering of his passport at the Thane police station and a ban on him leaving the country without court permission. He has also been prohibited from hosting or attending any events while under investigation.
