A bench issued the order while also directing that no further FIRs be registered regarding the same show.
Supreme Court on Samay Raina, Ranveer Allahbadia, India's Got Latent Controversy Latest News: The Supreme Court on Tuesday (February 18) granted interim protection from arrest to YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, popularly known as Beer Biceps, in multiple FIRs filed against him in Mumbai, Guwahati, and Jaipur over alleged obscenity in an episode of the "India’s Got Latent" show.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh issued the order while also directing that no further FIRs be registered regarding the same show. However, the relief was granted on the condition that Allahbadia cooperates with the investigation and refrains from airing any other shows until further notice. The court also mandated that he surrender his passport.
Despite granting him temporary relief, the bench strongly condemned the language used by Allahbadia in the show, describing it as “dirty” and “perverted.” Justice Kant, addressing Allahbadia’s counsel Abhinav Chandrachud, questioned, “Are you defending this kind of language?” While Chandrachud acknowledged the inappropriateness of the remarks, he argued that they did not constitute a criminal offense.
The Supreme Court, however, appeared unconvinced, with Justice Kant stating, “If this is not obscenity, then what is?” The bench further noted that Allahbadia's statements had caused embarrassment and shame to society, particularly to parents and young viewers.
Amid concerns for his safety, Allahbadia’s counsel mentioned that he had been receiving death threats. The court assured that the state authorities would handle security concerns.
The controversy stems from an episode of comedian Samay Raina’s YouTube show "India’s Got Latent," featuring Allahbadia alongside other influencers, including Ashish Chanchlani and Apoorva Makhija. Following backlash, Raina publicly apologized and deleted all episodes, while Allahbadia also issued an apology, admitting his remarks were inappropriate.
FIRs have been registered in multiple states, prompting Allahbadia to approach the Supreme Court for relief. Meanwhile, fellow YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani has sought anticipatory bail from the Gauhati High Court in connection with the same controversy.
Allahbadia, who was recently awarded the "Disruptor of the Year" at the National Creators Award by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, now faces intense legal scrutiny as the case unfolds.
