Supreme Court Lifts Ban On Ranveer Allahabadia’s Show, Urges Government Measures For Online Content Regulation

The Supreme Court of India on Monday (3 March) lifted the restriction on YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahabadia, allowing him to resume airing his popular programme "The Ranveer Show", LiveLaw reported.

However, the Court stipulated that he must provide an undertaking ensuring that his content adheres to standards of decency and morality, making it suitable for viewers of all ages.

The ban had originally been imposed as a condition of Allahabadia’s interim protection from arrest in relation to multiple FIRs filed by the Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Assam police.

These cases accused him of obscenity over controversial remarks made during an episode of "India’s Got Latent Show".

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh also ordered that his show must refrain from commenting on ongoing court proceedings.

Expressing displeasure at public remarks made about the case, Justice Kant remarked, “One of them went to Canada and spoke about all of this... these young and oversmart ones think they know more than this... we know how to handle.” Allahabadia’s counsel, however, distanced his client from those comments.

During the hearing, Abhinav Chandrachud, representing Allahabadia, requested the modification of the condition prohibiting him from airing any shows.

He assured the bench that Allahabadia would avoid profanity and sought permission to continue hosting discussions with spiritual leaders and professionals.

Highlighting that his client employs 280 people and relies solely on his digital content for livelihood, Chandrachud urged the court to reconsider its restrictions.

He remarked, “Forget a man and a woman, a man and a man cannot sit together and watch the show. Myself and the learned AG cannot sit together and watch the show. Your lordships will not be able to sit together and watch the show.”

The bench, while granting relief, acknowledged the employment concerns linked to the ban and expressed its inclination to lift restrictions. However, it also stressed the urgent need for regulatory measures in online content.

“We don’t want any regulatory regime which leads to censorship... but it can’t be a free-for-all,” Justice Kant remarked. Agreeing with the need for regulation, the Solicitor General added, “If you have to use vulgarity to make me laugh, then you are not a good comedian.”

The court directed the Union Government to propose limited regulatory measures that balance free speech with responsible content creation. It suggested placing any draft regulatory framework in the public domain for discussion among stakeholders.

Allahabadia, widely known as BeerBiceps, became embroiled in controversy alongside fellow YouTubers Samay Raina, Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, and Apoorva Makhija after explicit clips from "India’s Got Latent" went viral.

These clips, containing sexually explicit references in the context of parents, sparked outrage. Following the backlash, Raina deleted all episodes of the show and issued a public apology, while Allahabadia also apologised, admitting his comments were inappropriate.

On 10 February, the Guwahati Police registered an FIR against five content creators for “promoting obscenity and engaging in sexually explicit and vulgar discussion.”

Similar cases were also lodged by the Maharashtra Cyber Department and the Jaipur Police. Seeking the quashing of multiple FIRs, Allahabadia moved the Supreme Court.

On 18 February, the apex court granted Allahabadia interim protection from arrest, restraining authorities from registering further FIRs based on the India’s Got Latent episode.