SC Grants Ranveer Allahbadia Permission to Resume Podcasts, Extends Interim Protection
The Supreme Court on Monday (March 3) allowed Youtuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia to resume uploading his podcasts and shows on social media
The Supreme Court on Monday (March 3) allowed Youtuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia to resume uploading his podcasts and show ‘The Ranveer Show’ subject to maintaining ‘morality and decency’ and an undertaking that it was suitable for all ages.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh took note of Ranveer Allahbadia’s submission that the podcast was his only source of livelihood and around 280 people employed by him were dependent on the show.
The apex court had asked him to stop airing the podcast after a row over his crass remarks he made during India’s Got Latent.
The bench also extended the interim protection from arrest granted to Ranveer Allahbadia till further orders, while asking him to join investigation in Guwahati.
However, the court also issued a strict directive that he must refrain from conducting any direct or indirect shows that could influence or have a bearing on the merits of the case.
The Supreme Court also strongly condemned YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia for making inappropriate jokes on Samay Raina’s India’s Got Latent show, asserting that using vulgar language to engage audiences does not qualify as “talent.”
As reported by news agency ANI, the Supreme Court has acknowledged the views of the Attorney General and Solicitor General, who suggested that some form of regulatory mechanism may be necessary to prevent the telecast or airing of content that does not align with the accepted moral standards of society.
The court has directed the Solicitor General, representing the Centre, to explore and propose measures that would strike a balance between upholding the fundamental right to free speech and expression while ensuring compliance with Article 19(4) of the Constitution.
The court emphasised that any regulatory framework should not infringe upon free speech but should effectively maintain appropriate boundaries.
Additionally, the Supreme Court suggested that any proposed regulatory measures be made available in the public domain for feedback from stakeholders before any legislative or judicial action is taken on the matter.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed Ranveer Allahbadia’s plea, arguing that his remarks on India’s Got Latent were not just vulgar but perverse.
Mehta further urged the court to deny his request, stating, “Let him remain silent for some time.”
The bench told senior advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, who was representing Ranveer Allahbadia, that fundamental rights were not (served) on a platter and came with certain restrictions.
Justice Surya Kant pointed out one of the accused in the case (Samay Raina) went to Canada and spoke on the case.
“These youngsters may think that we are outdated but we know how to deal with them. Don’t take the court lightly,” the judge cautioned.
The bench subsequently restrained Allahbadia from speaking anything related to the case on his show.
As per ANI, the Supreme Court has further directed the Assam investigating officer to schedule a date and time for YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia to join the ongoing probe.
Regarding Allahbadia’s request to travel abroad as a guest for events in foreign countries, the court stated that this request would only be considered once he has participated in the investigation and is no longer required for questioning.
The Centre in the meantime was directed to come up with a draft regulatory mechanism on social media content, which should be put in public domain aside from gathering suggestions from all stakeholders.
Earlier, on February 18, the court had granted Ranveer Allahbadia interim protection from arrest in connection with FIRs filed against him over his remarks on the YouTube show.
Ranveer Allahbadia landed in a controversy after he made an inappropriate comment on comedian Samay Raina’s show India’s Got Latent. He asked one of the contestants, “Would you rather watch your parents have s*x every day for the rest of your life or join in once and stop it forever?”
Several FIRs were filed against Ranveer, Samay, and many guests who had appeared on the show.
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