New Delhi, March 3 – The Supreme Court of India on Monday permitted podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia to continue airing his popular show, The Ranveer Show, with the condition that it upholds "morality and decency." The court also required an assurance from Allahbadia that the podcast would remain appropriate for all age groups.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh considered Allahbadia's submission that the podcast is his sole source of income, supporting a team of around 280 employees who rely on the show for their livelihoods. The court also extended Allahbadia’s interim protection from arrest, which had been granted earlier, while instructing him to cooperate with the ongoing investigation in Guwahati.
The case stemmed from controversial remarks made on Allahbadia's YouTube show, India's Got Latent, where he faced criticism for making what were considered vulgar and perverse comments. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre and states like Maharashtra, Assam, and Odisha, urged the court to uphold the restriction on airing any shows that might compromise social norms. He stated, “Let him remain silent for some time.”
In response, the bench emphasized that fundamental rights come with limitations and cautioned Allahbadia's lawyer, Senior Advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, about the potential consequences of taking the court lightly. Justice Surya Kant remarked that one of the accused in the case had gone abroad and spoken out about the matter. “These youngsters may think that we are outdated, but we know how to deal with them,” Justice Kant warned, adding, "Don’t take the court lightly."
The court also imposed a restriction on Allahbadia from making any statements related to the case during the show. Additionally, the Centre was directed to formulate a regulatory framework for social media content, ensuring public consultation and gathering feedback from all stakeholders.
However, the bench refused to grant Allahbadia permission to travel abroad at this stage, with the condition that he must first join the investigation before his request could be reconsidered.
This case follows several FIRs filed against Allahbadia, who is also known by his online persona BeerBiceps, for his controversial comments on topics like parenting and sex during an appearance on comedian Samay Raina's show, India's Got Latent. The Supreme Court had previously granted Allahbadia interim protection from arrest on February 18, calling his remarks "vulgar" and accusing him of having a "dirty mind" that shamed society.
The case is ongoing, with Allahbadia facing significant scrutiny over the nature of his public statements and their impact on social morality.
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