Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has intensified her criticism of YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, popularly known as BeerBiceps, following the Supreme Court’s recent remarks concerning his controversial comments on the YouTube show ‘India’s Got Latent’. The apex court granted Allahbadia interim protection from arrest but expressed strong disapproval of his remarks, describing them as “obscene” and questioning the moral standards of such content.
Chaturvedi’s Stand Against Online Harassment
In the wake of the Supreme Court’s observations, Chaturvedi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to address the backlash she faced from supporters of Allahbadia. She stated, “All these cheap and paid trolls of the celeb influencers who were going after me should now hear what the SC has had to say about the content dished out by such content creators.” This response highlights her ongoing battle against online harassment and her commitment to holding digital influencers accountable for their content.
The Controversial Episode
The controversy began when Allahbadia, serving as a judge on ‘India’s Got Latent’, made remarks that many found vulgar and inappropriate. The episode, uploaded on February 8, 2025, sparked widespread outrage, leading to multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against him in Mumbai and Guwahati. In response to the public outcry, Chaturvedi announced her intention to raise the issue with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations on digital content to protect young and impressionable audiences.
Supreme Court’s Intervention
On February 18, 2025, the Supreme Court granted Allahbadia interim protection from arrest concerning the FIRs but did not withhold criticism of his actions. A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh remarked, “If this is not obscenity, what is?” The court further directed that no new FIRs should be registered against Allahbadia based on the controversial episode and restrained him and his associates from airing any further episodes of the show until further notice. Additionally, Allahbadia was instructed to surrender his passport to the Thane police and was prohibited from leaving the country without prior permission from the court.
Legal Community’s Perspective
The legal fraternity has also weighed in on the matter. Bombay High Court lawyer Abha Singh expressed approval of the Supreme Court’s stance, stating, “I am glad that the Supreme Court has come out strongly against the comments made by Ranveer Allahbadia. The SC has rightly said that his comments have made mothers, daughters, and children ashamed.” Singh acknowledged the interim protection granted to Allahbadia but emphasized the court’s directive for him to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
Broader Implications for Digital Content
This incident has ignited a broader debate about the responsibility of digital content creators and the regulation of online platforms. Chaturvedi’s proactive approach underscores the necessity for clear guidelines to ensure that content disseminated online adheres to societal norms and does not adversely influence the youth. The Supreme Court’s involvement signifies a critical examination of the balance between creative expression and moral accountability in the digital age.
