YouTubers Ranveer Allahbadia and Apoorva Mukhija appeared before the National Commission for Women (NCW) for questioning over the controversy surrounding remarks made on India’s Got Latent. The NCW had initially summoned Allahbadia, Mukhija, Samay Raina, Jaspreet Singh, Ashish Chanchlani, Tushar Poojari, Saurabh Bothra, and Balraj Ghai last month. However, none of them attended, citing safety concerns, prior travel commitments, and logistical issues.
Allahbadia had requested a three-week extension, citing death threats, which the panel granted, setting a new hearing for March 6. Mukhija also raised safety concerns and requested a virtual appearance, but the NCW denied her request and asked her to appear in person.
Ranveer Allahbadia Allowed to Resume Podcast, SC Sets Morality Clause
Ranveer Allahbadia, who was previously barred from filming new episodes, has now been permitted to resume his podcast, The Ranveer Show. However, the Supreme Court ruled that he must submit an undertaking ensuring that his content upholds "desired standards of morality so that viewers of any age group can watch them."
The Supreme Court has also emphasised the need to strike a balance between morality and freedom of expression while advising the Centre to consider this aspect while framing guidelines for digital content. This comes amid the controversy surrounding the YouTuber’s remarks on Samay Raina’s show India’s Got Latent.
Allahbadia’s lawyer, Abhinav Chandrachud, had urged the bench, comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh—to lift the ban, highlighting that the show provides employment to "about 280 people."
Earlier, the Supreme Court on February 18 ruled that no additional police cases could be filed against Ranveer Allahbadia regarding this matter. He was assured that if he or his family faced threats, he could seek protection from the Maharashtra and Assam police.
SC Grants Ranveer Allahbadia Relief, But Slams His Remarks
The bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh stated, "We have a judicial system... we are bound by the rule of law. If there are threats, the law will take its course."
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The court stated, "There is something dirty in his mind." Justice Kant questioned, "What embarrassment he has caused to his parents?" and added, "The words you have chosen... parents will be ashamed, and sisters will be ashamed. The entire society will feel ashamed."
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The court further slammed Allahbadia's remarks, stating, "Just because somebody thinks 'I am popular, I can speak anything and take society for granted'... you tell us, who in the world would like such words?"
- The bench also questioned Allahbadia’s attempt to seek protection. "We aren’t sitting in an ivory tower. We have seen how he tried to copy this statement from an international channel. But there’s a license and restricted viewership for such channels,” the court noted. The court argued that the content from the show India's Got Latent is widely accessible on YouTube and cannot be considered restricted media, contrary to Allahbadia’s claims.
Despite strongly criticizing his actions, the court decided to protect Allahbadia from arrest, while enforcing strict conditions. These included a ban on broadcasting any new content until further notice and a restriction on leaving India without prior court approval.
Court Demands Action on YouTube Content
- In a strong stance, the bench also raised concerns over the increasing influence of vulgar and inappropriate content on YouTube and other social media platforms. The bench questioned the Union government on whether it plans to impose a legal regime to regulate such content, which they believe has become "a complete nuisance."
- Justice Surya Kant stated, "If the government of India is willing to do it, very well, but we make it clear that we want something done. These YouTubers and their shows… something has to be done about them and we will do it. We are not going to leave it like it." He further added, “We will want the attorney general and solicitor general to be here on the next date of hearing.”
- The bench also criticized the rising trend of internet personalities gaining popularity through vulgar language and sensationalism. The court remarked, "If you want to gain cheap popularity by speaking vulgar language, perhaps someone else is also doing the same by issuing these threats,” referring to the death threats made against Allahbadia.
‘I Am Not Running Away’: Ranveer Allahbadia On Police Inquiry
Allahbadia addressed the Mumbai Police’s claims that they were unable to trace him when his phone was found switched off. In an Instagram post on Saturday, February 15, he revealed that he has been receiving death threats but assured that he is fully cooperating with the authorities.Sharing a statement, Allahbadia said, "My team and I are cooperating with the police and all other authorities. I will follow due process and be available to all agencies. My remark about parents was insensitive and disrespectful. It is my moral responsibility to do better, and I am genuinely sorry."
Addressing the threats against him, the content creator further wrote, "I'm watching death threats pour in from people saying that they want to kill me and hurt my family. People have invaded my mother’s clinic posing as patients. I’m feeling scared and I don’t know what to do. But I’m not running away. I have full faith in the police and the judicial system of India."
On Friday, February 14, the Mumbai Police reported that Allahbadia was unreachable, with his phone switched off and his residence locked. Authorities also stated that they were unable to get in touch with his lawyer. Earlier that day, Allahbadia had been directed to appear at Mumbai’s Khar Police Station for questioning in connection with the ongoing investigation into allegedly obscene remarks made on the YouTube show India’s Got Latent. However, he failed to show up, prompting further scrutiny.
Amid growing legal challenges, Allahbadia approached the Supreme Court, seeking to club together multiple FIRs registered against him across the country. Additionally, he applied for anticipatory bail, citing concerns over possible action from the Guwahati Police, who had also summoned him regarding the same case. Following a plea by Allahbadia’s legal counsel, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna assured that the matter would be listed for a hearing soon.
Ranveer Allahabadia Moves Supreme Court to Club Multiple FIRs in IGL Case
The controversy erupted after a viral video from India’s Got Latent showed Allahabadia asking a contestant an inappropriate question, “Watch your parents have sex every day for the rest of your life, or join in once and stop it forever?” The clip quickly spread across social media, triggering widespread backlash.
In response to public outrage, the Maharashtra Cyber Department filed an FIR against Allahbadia, Raina, and other artists associated with the show, citing concerns over obscene content. The case has been registered under relevant sections of the IT Act, with authorities demanding the removal of all 18 episodes of the comedy series.
A police official stated that the investigation revealed “vulgar and obscene” language was frequently used in the show, involving not just the creators but also the guests.
Meanwhile, the Assam Police has intensified its probe, issuing fresh summons to Allahabadia and YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani, who was also part of the panel. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that an FIR was filed by Guwahati Police on February 10 against five YouTubers and content creators for “promoting obscenity and engaging in sexually explicit and vulgar discussion.”
Following the backlash, Allahabadia posted a public apology, acknowledging his remaks.
Addressing the situation, Raina shared via social media that recent events had been overwhelming for him. “The recent events have been a bit too much for me to handle,” he stated, while assuring that he would fully cooperate with the investigation. Moreover, he took down all episodes of his show from YouTube, where they had garnered millions of views.
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