In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of India granted YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, also known for his “India’s Got Latent” show, interim protection from arrest. This follows multiple FIRs filed against him in Assam and Maharashtra due to his controversial remarks on the show. However, the Court attached specific conditions to this relief.
Conditions Imposed by the Supreme Court
- Passport Surrender: The Supreme Court directed Allahbadia to surrender his passport to the Nodal Cyber Police in Thane. He is prohibited from traveling abroad without prior permission from the court until the investigation is concluded.
- Cooperation with Authorities: Allahbadia must fully cooperate with the ongoing investigations in both Assam and Maharashtra. He is expected to appear before the police when called upon.
- Suspension of Shows: Allahbadia and his team have been ordered to suspend the airing of his shows on YouTube and other media platforms until further orders. This restriction aims to prevent further dissemination of potentially controversial content.
- Protection from Threats: If Allahbadia faces any threats to his life, he is allowed to approach local police in both states for protection.
Supreme Court’s Strong Condemnation of Remarks
The Supreme Court condemned Allahbadia’s comments, calling them “vulgar” and inappropriate for public discourse. Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh stated that Allahbadia’s remarks would bring shame to families and society at large, particularly to parents and women. The bench raised the critical question: if such statements don’t qualify as obscenity, then what standards should apply?
Allahbadia’s Lawyer Responds
Allahbadia’s lawyer, Senior Advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, expressed personal disgust over his client’s statements but argued that they should not be categorized as criminal offenses. He referenced a previous Supreme Court ruling that stated that not all distasteful comments necessarily amount to obscenity. Chandrachud explained that only statements causing lustful thoughts in a reasonable person could be classified as obscene.
Background of the Controversy
The case stems from an episode of “India’s Got Latent,” where Allahbadia’s comments sparked backlash. Following the uproar, Allahbadia issued an apology and removed the episode from public viewing. Despite this, FIRs were lodged in various parts of the country, leading to the ongoing legal proceedings.
The Supreme Court’s decision reflects a crucial balancing act between protecting freedom of speech and maintaining societal values. Allahbadia’s temporary relief from arrest comes with the understanding that his actions will be closely monitored while the investigation continues. The conditions imposed serve as a reminder that public figures must adhere to standards of decency and respect in their discourse.
