- The Supreme Court criticized influencer Ranveer Allahbadia for his controversial remarks on the show ‘India’s Got Latent’.
- The court granted him interim protection but directed him to deposit his passport and restricted him from leaving India.
- No further FIRs will be registered against him, but the show must halt airing new episodes.
Did Ranveer Allahbadia Cross the Line of Free Speech?
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court strongly criticized social media influencer Ranveer Allahbadia for his remarks on the show ‘India’s Got Latent’. The court questioned the boundaries of free speech, stating that no one has a license to speak against the norms of society. The bench remarked that his words were offensive and could make families feel ashamed. The judges further questioned, “If this is not obscenity, what is?” The court made it clear that popularity does not give someone the right to say anything without accountability.
During the hearing, Allahbadia sought relief from multiple FIRs filed against him in different states. His lawyer argued that he had been receiving death threats due to the controversy. In response, the court granted him interim protection and allowed him to seek police security in Maharashtra and Assam. However, the court also imposed restrictions on him, ordering him to surrender his passport to the police in Thane, Maharashtra, and forbidding him from leaving the country without prior court approval.
In a significant move, the Supreme Court ruled that no additional FIRs shall be registered against Allahbadia based on the episode in question. It also prevented his arrest in connection with any new FIRs related to the same controversy. However, the court ordered that no further episodes of ‘India’s Got Latent’ should be aired until further notice.
Following the backlash, the show’s host, Samay Raina, expressed regret over the incident. He issued a public statement on Instagram, stating that his intent was only to entertain. He confirmed that all videos of ‘India’s Got Latent’ had been removed from his channel and assured full cooperation with authorities.
This case has sparked debates on freedom of speech and its limitations in the digital age. While influencers have the power to reach millions, the Supreme Court’s strong remarks highlight the responsibility that comes with such influence. The legal battle surrounding Ranveer Allahbadia continues, as the court balances free speech with social responsibility.
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