In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court considered popular YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, along with the host of India’s Got Latent, Samay Raina, and his panel member, Apoorva Mukhija, resigning with immediate effect from telecasting shows until further notice. The court order came soon after Allahbadia’s rather obscene remarks during an episode of Raina’s YouTube talk show sparked widespread outrage among the masses.In its rebuke of Allahbadia, the court condemned his comments, stating that they were “irresponsible” and showed a “dirty mind.” During the hearing, the court asked Allahbadia’s lawyer whether he condones the language used by his client and sought clarification on what constitutes obscenity. The court stated that freedom of speech is to be exercised responsibly, with an emphasis on its impact on society.The court granted interim protection against arrest to Allahbadia in various FIRs but directed him to cooperate fully with the investigation under process. Besides, Allahbadia was directed to surrender his passport to the Thane police station and was prohibited from traveling abroad without court permission.Twitter exploded with commentary after Allahbadia made an overtly inappropriate comment during an episode of Samay Raina’s show ‘India’s Got Latent,’ targeting the contestant’s parents and inciting outrage and accusations of lewdness on the parts of viewers. The episode has been taken down since the incident, and the Maharashtra Cyber Department has filed a case against the show.Multiple FIRs against Allahbadia, Raina, and other panelists-Apoorva Mukhija, Jaspreet Singh, and Ashish Chanchlani-have been filled in Mumbai and Guwahati. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also intervened by summoning the accused to appear before it on separate dates. Apoorva Mukhija, one of the panelists, has already given a statement at Khar Police Station in Mumbai and has reported death threats received in the ongoing controversy.In response to this uproar, Allahbadia put out an apology where he claimed that comedy’s not his thing and that he had requested the producers of the show to delete that particular scene. However, the damage was done, with this kicking up an intense furor on the subject of where free speech begins or ends and the need to consider civility in public discourse.The Maharashtra government directed the investigations to be started by the Mumbai police immediately and also instructed them to take proper action on this matter. Furthermore, the authorities have been instructed to ensure that the accused cooperate with the investigations.“Normalizing vulgarity in the name of comedy should be stopped as soon as possible. Being influencers and content creators with millions of followers, they have a responsibility to talk sense, promote positivity, respect, and decency. Their words and actions have a profound impact because there are thousands of people who follow them, and they get imitated by these so-called influencers actions, so sitting in a panel of a so-called comedy show does not grant them the right to speak filthy and degenerative stuff. Thankfully, the Supreme Court has intervened and booked Ranveer Allahbadia. It’s heartening to see the judiciary is taking a strong stance against indecency and vulgarity. Now let’s see what happens next, and we can hope for the best!” – Sreyam, a regular audience had expressed this during a discussion with true-to-life.The unfolding of this controversy has highlighted that freedom of expression, while a fundamental right, must be freely exercised with caution and responsibility by the speaker. The incident has raised many fundamental questions concerning the role of content creators in shaping public opinion and whether or not additional guidelines are necessary to attempt to prevent offensive content from being circulated.The controversy of Ranveer Allahbadia’s remarks has not only brought an injury to the reputation of Allahbadia, but it has also raised the overarching questions of the incompatibility of creative freedom and social values. As this case moves forward, its judgment could create a prominent precedent for future online content creation in India. Stay updated with the latest news.
By Anusmita Bhatta
Reporting for True To Life News Media Pvt. Ltd.