The National Commission for Women (NCW) has called for strict action against obscene content on social media and OTT platforms following the backlash over YouTuber-podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia’s remarks on the show India’s Got Latent, hosted by comedian Samay Raina.
In a letter addressed to Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar emphasized the need for stringent censorship and content moderation to curb the spread of inappropriate content online.
The Commission highlighted that such content violates multiple legal provisions, including:
✔️ Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act
✔️ Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS)
✔️ Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act
✔️ Information Technology (IT) Act
NCW stated that such remarks “perpetuate harmful stereotypes and pose a direct threat to the safety and dignity of women and children.” The Commission has urged the Ministry to issue strict guidelines to prevent streaming platforms from allowing such content and has requested a swift update on the action taken against the show.
Backlash Against Ranveer Allahbadia
The controversy erupted after Allahbadia made an offensive comment on India’s Got Latent, asking a contestant:
“Would you rather watch your parents… or join in once and stop it forever?”
The remark sparked widespread outrage, with social media users, artists, and influencers condemning the statement.
A complaint was filed with the Mumbai Commissioner and the Maharashtra Women’s Commission, alleging that the show used abusive language and made obscene remarks about women for financial and promotional gain. The complaint also named Apoorva Makhija, Samay Raina, and the organizers of the show.
Ranveer Allahbadia Issues Public Apology
Following the backlash, Allahbadia posted a one-minute apology video on X, admitting his mistake:
“My comment wasn’t just inappropriate, it wasn’t even funny. Comedy is not my forte, I am just here to say sorry.”
He added, “I personally had a lapse in judgment. It wasn’t cool on my part. I don’t take my responsibility lightly. Family is the last thing I would ever disrespect. I need to use this platform better. I promise to get better.”
Allahbadia also stated that he has requested the makers of India’s Got Latent to remove the insensitive sections from the episode. “All I can say in the end is sorry, I hope you can forgive me as a human being,” he said.
Strong Reactions from Influencer Community
The Bhartiya Influencers Association (BIA) also condemned Allahbadia’s remarks.
Neelkant Bakshi, General Secretary of BIA, called the comments “disgustingly vulgar” and “beyond any shreds of decency.”
In a post on X, Bakshi wrote:
“A social media influencer, @BeerBicepsGuy, has shown his true colors by his disgustingly vulgar comments on a comedy show which is popular on Social Media, in the garb of freedom of speech. This is beyond any shreds of decency. As the general secretary of Bhartiya Influencers Association, I am disturbed and strongly condemn his comments.”
With growing demands for action, authorities are under pressure to tighten digital content regulations and ensure that offensive and inappropriate material is swiftly addressed.