The Supreme Court of India has granted interim protection from arrest to YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, also known as BeerBiceps, while reprimanding him for his obscene remarks made during a recent episode of the show India’s Got Latent. The court's decision came after Allahbadia filed a plea to consolidate multiple FIRs against him in Maharashtra, Assam, and Rajasthan due to public outrage over his comments.
During the hearing, Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh expressed strong disapproval of Allahbadia's language, stating that his words were shameful and would embarrass families across society. The court emphasized that freedom of speech does not grant individuals the right to violate societal norms. They remarked, "The words you have chosen will make daughters, sisters, parents, and even society feel ashamed".
While Allahbadia has been granted protection from arrest, he is required to cooperate with ongoing investigations and is prohibited from participating in any shows until further notice. The court also indicated that he could seek police protection if he faces threats to his safety.
The Supreme Court of India is set to hear a significant plea from popular YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia today, February 18, 2025. This case revolves around controversial remarks he made on the web show "India's Got Latent," hosted by comedian Samay Raina. The remarks sparked outrage and led to multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) being filed against him across various states.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy began when Allahbadia, known as 'BeerBiceps,' made inappropriate comments during a segment of the show that involved a provocative question about parents. This led to public backlash, with many people expressing their outrage over his remarks. Following this, FIRs were lodged against him in states like Maharashtra, Assam, and Jaipur, accusing him of making obscene content.
Legal Proceedings
In response to the growing legal troubles, Allahbadia approached the Supreme Court seeking to consolidate the multiple FIRs into one case. His lawyer, Abhinav Chandrachud, who is also the son of former Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, argued that combining the cases would be more efficient and fair for his client. The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh, is expected to deliberate on this request during today's hearing.
Allahbadia has also sought anticipatory bail to prevent arrest by the Guwahati Police. He has been accused of evading authorities after failing to respond to summonses from various police departments and the National Commission for Women (NCW). Reports indicate that he has been unreachable for questioning, leading police to express concern about his lack of cooperation.
Allahbadia's Response
In light of the threats he claims to have received following the controversy, Allahbadia has expressed fear for his safety. He stated that he has been receiving death threats and harassment online, which has contributed to his reluctance to appear before the authorities. Despite these challenges, he maintains that he is not fleeing from the situation and trusts in India's judicial system.
Public Apologies and Future Steps
Following the backlash, both Allahbadia and Raina issued public apologies on social media. Raina announced that all episodes of "India's Got Latent" would be removed from YouTube in response to the controversy. They have also committed to cooperating with ongoing investigations. The NCW has rescheduled hearings for those involved in the case due to their previous absences.
Conclusion
As the Supreme Court prepares to hear Ranveer Allahbadia's plea today, many are watching closely to see how this high-profile case unfolds. The outcome could have significant implications not only for Allahbadia but also for content creators in India regarding accountability and freedom of expression in digital media. The court's decision will likely address both legal concerns and societal expectations surrounding public discourse on sensitive topics.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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