The Maharashtra government has ordered an inquiry into the controversy surrounding Ranveer Allahbadia, specifically tasking the cultural department officials to investigate.
The cultural department, under the leadership of Minister Ashish Shelar, initiated the inquiry after complaints were lodged regarding vulgarity in Allahbadia’s show, “India’s Got Latent,” and other similar shows running without proper permissions. The minister’s office stated that complaints were received concerning the vulgar content in the show and the fact that tickets were sold to the audience without necessary approvals.
A meeting was convened in the department, chaired by Minister Ashish Shelar, who then ordered a detailed inquiry into the matter.
Ranveer Allahbadia, a popular Indian YouTuber and podcaster, has become the focal point of controversy due to his comments on “India’s Got Latent.” The show has faced widespread criticism for its vulgar and obscene content, igniting outrage among viewers.
This isn’t the first time “India’s Got Latent” has faced such backlash. It has previously been criticized for its dark humour, which many consider to be insensitive and offensive.
In a related development, Ranveer Allahbadia has approached the Supreme Court seeking to combine multiple FIRs filed against him across India over his recent controversial remarks on the show. Senior advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, representing Allahbadia, requested an urgent hearing from a bench led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna. Chandrachud stated that multiple FIRs had been lodged against Allahbadia, and the Assam Police had summoned him on Friday.
Amid the controversy, Shiv Sena Member of Parliament (MP) Naresh Ganpat Mhaske has called for stricter regulations on social media and OTT platforms. He raised the issue in the Lok Sabha, emphasizing the need for tighter enforcement of existing guidelines and the introduction of new measures to curb obscene and inflammatory content. Mhaske stated that while social media influencers have the right to express themselves, they must respect India’s culture, history, and traditions, warning that crossing the line would lead to public backlash.
In response to the criticism, Allahbadia issued a public apology. He acknowledged that his comments were inappropriate and insensitive, saying, “My comment wasn’t just inappropriate; it wasn’t even funny. Comedy is not my forte, I am just here to say sorry.” He also addressed concerns about his influence on younger audiences, pledging to use his platform more responsibly in the future. “Family is the last thing that I would ever disrespect,” he added.
Allahbadia further requested that the producers of “India’s Got Latent” remove the “insensitive sections” from the episode featuring his comments. “I have asked the makers of the video to remove the insensitive sections from the video. All I can say in the end is sorry, I hope you can forgive me as a human being,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Police reported difficulties in contacting Ranveer Allahbadia, stating his phone was switched off, his house was locked, and his lawyer was unreachable.
On February 11, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed that the Guwahati Police had registered an FIR against YouTubers and influencers, including Allahbadia, Samay Raina, Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, Apoorva Makhija, and others, for promoting obscenity and engaging in sexually explicit and vulgar discussions on “India’s Got Latent.” FIRs have also been registered against them in Maharashtra and Assam.