The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted YouTube personality Ranveer Allahbadia interim protection from arrest in relation to the multiple FIRs filed against him across India due to his controversial comments on the show India’s Got Latent.
Allahbadia’s remarks, made during a guest appearance on the show, have resulted in widespread backlash, leading to police complaints and investigations.
The court ruled that no further FIRs could be filed against Allahbadia based on this particular episode, and he was granted protection from arrest provided he fully cooperates with the ongoing investigations. However, the court ordered him to deposit his passport with the police in Thane, Maharashtra, and prohibited him from leaving the country without prior permission from the court.
It also stated that neither Allahbadia nor his associates were allowed to participate in any stand-up comedy or roast shows until further notice.
During the hearing, the court expressed strong disapproval of Allahbadia’s comments, with Justice Surya Kant particularly vocal in his criticism. “If this is not obscenity in this country, then what is?” Justice Kant questioned, before accusing Allahbadia of spreading “something dirty” through his programme.
He went on to emphasise the embarrassment caused to parents, citing how “the words you have chosen… parents will be ashamed, and sisters will be ashamed. The entire society will feel ashamed.”
Despite the severe criticism, the court acknowledged the threats made against Allahbadia, stating that if he faces danger, he could seek protection from the Maharashtra or Assam police.
Allahbadia had previously claimed to have received death threats against both himself and his family and reported an invasion of his mother’s medical clinic.
In a statement, he mentioned that he felt “scared” but insisted that he would not back down. The court stressed that the law would take its course in the event of any threats.
Allahbadia’s lawyer, Abhinav Chandrachud, expressed his personal disgust over the remarks, stating that he “could not defend on moral grounds” but also questioning whether the comments could be considered a criminal offense.
The court also called on the central government to respond to the need for clearer guidelines on what constitutes “obscene” content on social media.
The YouTuber, who is also known for his Instagram presence as “BeerBiceps,” has faced huge backlash, including a summons from the National Commission for Women (NCW), scheduled for March 6.
He is also under investigation by the Maharashtra Police’s cyber cell, which has asked him to join the probe on February 24. Allahbadia, however, has not yet been arrested, and Mumbai Police have not filed a case against him as of now, though they have recorded statements from several individuals involved, including participants and other influencers associated with the show.
Following the controversy, Allahbadia apologised for his comments, admitting that they were “insensitive and disrespectful.”
In a video message, he stated that his remark was not only inappropriate but “not even funny.” He acknowledged misusing his platform and expressed regret for his lapse in judgment, clarifying that he would not provide any justification for his remarks but simply wanted to apologise for the incident.
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