YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, known as BeerBiceps, assured the Supreme Court on Tuesday that he would uphold decency in his podcast amidst controversy over inappropriate comments made during an episode of India’s Got Latent. Justices Surya Kant and NK Singh denied his request to lift existing travel restrictions, as Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta stated that the investigation against Allahbadia would take an additional two weeks to conclude. The Supreme Court indicated that they would consider Allahbadia’s travel plea after the investigation is finalized.
The petitioner committed to maintaining decency in his content and not addressing any matters currently under judicial consideration. The Solicitor General informed the court about the status of the ongoing FIRs against Allahbadia, emphasizing that completion of the investigations is necessary before addressing his request for passport release.
Allahbadia’s petition arises from multiple criminal cases against him due to his controversial remarks as part of a judges’ panel on the aforementioned web show. The Court, on March 3, had previously permitted him to resume podcast filming, on the condition that he adheres to moral standards. His attorney, Abhinav Chandrachud, argued that the travel ban significantly impacts Allahbadia’s livelihood, as he cannot meet guests lined up for interviews on his show.
The Court had earlier mandated that Allahbadia deposit his passport with the Thane police and refrain from leaving India without explicit permission. Chandrachud reiterated the importance of travel for Allahbadia’s career in interviewing notable personalities, underscoring how the restrictions have hindered his work.
The Court decided not to consider the request for travel by Ranveer Allahbadia due to the ongoing investigation, emphasizing that allowing travel could delay proceedings. The Solicitor General (SG) mentioned that the investigation would take two weeks to complete, prompting the Court to instruct Allahbadia’s counsel to return after that period. The controversy involving India’s Got Latent, which was recorded on November 14, 2024, is currently under scrutiny by the Supreme Court, with the airing of the episode taking place more recently.
In addition to Allahbadia’s case, YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani has sought the top court’s intervention to quash an FIR against him in Assam, arguing that a similar complaint had been filed in Mumbai. He has also requested the transfer of the FIR to Mumbai. The Gauhati High Court previously granted him anticipatory bail.
The Supreme Court has condemned the statements from Allahbadia and others, labeling them as perverted and offensive to societal norms, particularly concerning women and parental roles. Although the Court initially offered interim protection to Allahbadia, it restricted him from performing shows; this restriction was later relaxed, allowing him to resume his podcast with the condition of maintaining decency.
During the hearing, it was noted that Allahbadia had cooperated with the National Commission for Women and provided statements in Guhawati. Senior Advocate Ajay Tiwari represented Chanchlani in today’s proceedings. The Court hinted at the need for potential regulations to prevent broadcasting similar obscene speech in the future. The next hearing is set for April 21.
