The Supreme Court on Monday extended the interim protection from arrest granted to popular YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia in connection with a case involving alleged objectionable remarks made during his appearance on the show India’s Got Latent. The court also sought clarity from Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on whether the investigation against Allahbadia has been concluded.
The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and N K Singh, was hearing Allahbadia’s plea for the release of his passport. During the hearing, it was informed that the Maharashtra Police has completed its investigation into the FIR registered against him. However, a co-accused has been summoned by the Assam Police, indicating that the investigation may still be ongoing in another jurisdiction.
Taking note of this, the court said it will hear Allahbadia’s plea again after a week. “Let the Solicitor General take instructions as to whether the investigation against Allahbadia is complete and whether he is no longer required,” the bench stated in its order.
The controversy stems from allegedly obscene remarks made by Allahbadia during a guest appearance on the India’s Got Latent YouTube show, hosted by comedian Samay Raina. Both Allahbadia, founder of the popular YouTube channel Beer Biceps, and Raina are currently under scrutiny.
In a related matter, the court also expressed serious concern over insensitive comments reportedly made by Raina regarding the high cost of treatment for spinal muscular atrophy. The remarks drew criticism from disability rights groups, prompting the Cure SMA Foundation to move the court.
During the proceedings, Justice Surya Kant remarked, “This is a very, very serious issue. We are really disturbed to see that.” The court asked the Foundation’s lawyer, Senior Advocate Aparajitha Singh, to submit video clips and transcripts of the alleged offensive content and to suggest measures for addressing such issues going forward.
The court had earlier asked the Centre to respond on the broader issue of regulating online content without infringing on free speech, following public backlash against controversial content posted by influencers and content creators.
The Cure SMA Foundation emphasized the need for a regulatory framework that specifically protects persons with disabilities from what it termed “disabling humour.” It argued that such content not only demeans individuals with disabilities but also reinforces harmful stereotypes and damages public perception.
The matter is expected to be taken up for further hearing in the coming weeks.
Be the first to comment