NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday described Ranveer Allahabadia's remarks in comedy show 'India's Got Latent' as condemnable, reprehensible and dirty.
A bench led by Justice Surya Kant rebuked Allahbadia, stating, “In the name of free speech, no one has the licence to speak whatever they want against the norms of the society.”
The court further questioned him, asking, “Do you have the licence to say anything to give vent to your dirty mind? Why should you not go to Guwahati to defend yourself?”
'Words show your depraved mind'Expressing strong disapproval, the bench remarked, “The words you (Allahbadia) have chosen show your depraved mind and will shame every parent, sister, and mother as well as children.”
Dismissing concerns over alleged threats against Allahbadia, the court observed, “These threats given to you on social media appear to be only for seeking cheap counter publicity.”
'No more FIRs'The top court also issued a notice to Maharashtra and Assam over Allahabadia's objectionable remarks while putting an interim stay on his arrest in the Thane and Guwahati FIRs.
However, the court directed him to cooperate with the investigation.
Additionally, the court ruled that no further FIRs should be filed against Allahabadia for his remarks on the "India Got Latent" show.
It also stated that the petitioner could approach Maharashtra and Assam police to seek appropriate security for joining the probe.
The apex court extended similar relief to Allahabadia for the Jaipur FIR on the same matter. It also directed him to submit his passport to Thane police.
The court also instructed petitioner (Allahabadia) to refrain from conducting such shows until further notice.
'Action against obscene content on YouTube'The Supreme Court has asked the Centre if it intends to take action against obscene content on YouTube.
“We would like you (government) to do something, if the government is willing to do something, we are happy. Otherwise, we are not going to leave this vacuum and barren area the way it is being misused by so-called YouTube channels and YouTubers,” Justice Surya Kant told Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati while seeking the assistance of the Attorney General and Solicitor General in the matter.
The court also emphasised that the importance and sensitivity of the issue should not be overlooked.
3rd summons to Ranveer AllahbadiaMumbai police on Tuesday issued a third summon to Allahbadia. He has been directed to report to the police station to provide his statement.
India's Got Latent rowOn Friday, Allahbadia’s lawyer Abhinav Chandrachud sought an urgent hearing, following which Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna assured that the matter would be listed before a bench within two to three days.
The controversy erupted after Allahbadia's comments on "parents and sex" sparked outrage, leading to police action in multiple states.
Allahbadia, along with comedian Samay Raina and others, is facing multiple FIRs across the country over controversial remarks made on the YouTube show India’s Got Latent.
The Assam Police has summoned Allahbadia for questioning, while the Maharashtra Cyber Cell has directed him to appear on February 24.
Samay Raina has been summoned by the Cyber Cell for Tuesday. Other YouTubers named in the case include Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, and Apoorva Makhija.
A joint statement by Mumbai and Guwahati Police confirmed that Allahbadia has remained unreachable despite multiple FIRs being registered by Maharashtra Cyber Department, Guwahati Police, and Jaipur Police.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also summoned Allahbadia, Raina and others, including show producers Tushar Poojari and Saurabh Bothra, to appear in New Delhi. However, several individuals cited safety concerns and prior commitments for not attending.
Allahbadia, citing death threats, requested a rescheduled hearing, which NCW set for March 6.
Jaspreet Singh, currently in Paris, stated he would return by March 10, 2025, with his hearing moved to March 11.
Samay Raina, on a pre-planned US tour, will now appear before NCW on March 11.
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