The Supreme Court on Monday permitted podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia to continue airing his show, The Ranveer Show, on the condition that it adheres to “morality and decency” and remains suitable for all age groups. The decision was made after Allahbadia provided an undertaking to this effect.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh noted Allahbadia’s submission that his podcast was his primary source of income and that approximately 280 people depended on it for their livelihood.
The court also extended the interim protection from arrest granted to Allahbadia until further orders, directing him to cooperate with the investigation in Guwahati.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre and states including Maharashtra, Assam, and Odisha, opposed any relaxation of restrictions, arguing that the comments made on the contentious YouTube show India’s Got Latent were “not only vulgar but perverse.”
He urged the court not to modify the existing condition prohibiting the airing of any show, stating, “Let him remain silent for some time.”
Addressing Allahbadia’s counsel, senior advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, the bench emphasised that fundamental rights were not absolute and came with certain restrictions.
Justice Surya Kant also referred to an accused in the case who had travelled to Canada and spoken on the matter. “These youngsters may think that we are outdated, but we know how to deal with them. Don’t take the court lightly,” he cautioned.
The court further barred Allahbadia from making any statements related to the case on his show. Additionally, it directed the Centre to draft a regulatory mechanism for social media content and release it for public consultation, seeking input from all stakeholders.
The bench denied Allahbadia’s request to travel abroad, stating that the plea would be considered only after he complied with the investigation. Multiple FIRs have been filed against him, who is also known as BeerBiceps, over remarks made about parents and sex on comedian Samay Raina’s show India’s Got Latent.
On February 18, the Supreme Court had granted interim protection from arrest to Allahbadia, criticising his remarks as “vulgar” and stating that he had a “dirty mind” which brought “shame to society.”
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