New Delhi: YouTube content creator Ranveer Allahbadia, who sparked controversy with remarks about parents and sex on the stand-up show India's Got Latent, received interim relief from the Supreme Court, which has directed that no additional police cases be registered against him regarding this issue.
The court also advised Mr. Allahbadia, who reported receiving death threats against himself and his family, to seek protection from either the Maharashtra or Assam police if needed. He was granted immunity from arrest as long as he cooperates with the investigation, including one related case in Jaipur.
As part of the court's conditions, Mr. Allahbadia must surrender his passport to police officials in Thane, Maharashtra, and cannot leave the country without judicial approval. Additionally, he and his associates have been prohibited from participating in stand-up or roast shows until further notice.
The court also requested the central government to provide clarity on guidelines for 'obscene' content shared on social media platforms.
During the hearing, Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh addressed Mr. Allahbadia's petition to consolidate multiple FIRs and secure anticipatory bail from potential arrest by Guwahati Police, who recently visited his Mumbai residence for questioning.
His lawyer, Abhinav Chandrachud, admitted to being "personally disgusted" by the remarks, acknowledging their offensive nature but questioning whether they warranted criminal prosecution. The court, however, strongly condemned the comments. Justice Kant expressed his disapproval, saying, "If this isn’t obscenity, then what is?" He added that the comments were deeply inappropriate and brought embarrassment to parents and the wider community.
The bench criticized the influencer's attitude, stating, "When individuals believe popularity grants them the right to say anything, it erodes societal values." The court stressed the importance of responsibility in public discourse, particularly when addressing sensitive subjects.
Despite its rebuke, the court acknowledged the threats against Mr. Allahbadia's family and underscored the judiciary's commitment to upholding the rule of law. "Threats are unacceptable, and the state is responsible for providing protection if required," it stated.
Mr. Allahbadia, known as the 'BeerBiceps guy', is facing multiple FIRs across different states and has also been summoned by the National Commission for Women for a hearing on March 6. He skipped a previous appearance, citing threats and a bounty allegedly placed on his life.
The incident has implicated others from the same show, including host Samay Raina and influencer Ashish Chanchalani, who have also reported receiving threats.
Authorities from Guwahati and Mumbai are continuing their investigations. Mumbai Police, which launched a probe based on a complaint filed by a BJP member, has already recorded statements from several individuals involved.
Following the uproar, Ranveer Allahbadia publicly apologized for his remarks. In a video statement, he admitted to a lapse in judgment. "The comment was not just inappropriate—it wasn’t even funny," he said. "Comedy isn’t my strength, and I deeply regret my words."
He acknowledged the responsibility that comes with his platform and reiterated his remorse, saying, "I won’t offer excuses. I’m genuinely sorry for the hurt caused by my insensitivity."
Despite the controversy, the Supreme Court's decision offers Mr. Allahbadia some temporary respite as investigations continue and broader discussions around social media content moderation gain renewed attention.
