New Delhi [India]: The Supreme Court of India on Monday extended interim protection from arrest to YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahabadia, in connection with an FIR linked to controversial remarks made during an episode of his show ‘India’s Got Latent.’
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh took note of the Maharashtra police’s completion of the investigation and the expected filing of the chargesheet soon. The bench also asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to confirm whether the Assam Police also considers the probe into Allahabadia complete and if he is no longer required for further investigation.
Next Court Hearing Scheduled:
The apex court posted the case for further hearing on April 28, where Allahabadia’s plea for cancellation or transfer of FIRs registered in Mumbai and Guwahati will be heard.
NGO Flags Disability Rights Violations:
The Cure SMA Foundation of India, an NGO working for persons with disabilities, sought to intervene in the case, highlighting insensitive remarks made by comedian Samay Raina during the same episode.
The NGO submitted that jokes around rare diseases, high-cost treatments, and people with disabilities violated dignity and inclusiveness.
The court acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, advising the NGO to file a separate writ petition and submit relevant video evidence to support its claims.
Context: FIRs and Public Outrage:
The controversy erupted following the viral episode of ‘India’s Got Latent’, where Allahabadia and fellow digital creators including Samay Raina, Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, and Apoorva Makhija, were accused of vulgar and sexually explicit dialogue.
The Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed on February 11 that the Guwahati Police registered FIRs against them, echoing similar action taken in Mumbai.
The Supreme Court had earlier criticized Allahabadia, calling the content “dirty and perverted”, and questioned whether the Centre was ready to regulate obscene online material. The matter had even prompted involvement from both the Attorney General and Solicitor General.