The Supreme Court on Monday took note of the completion of investigation against YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia in a case related to allegedly offensive remarks made during an episode of the online show India’s Got Latent, and scheduled his plea for return of passport for hearing on April 28.
A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh was informed by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of Maharashtra and Assam Police, that the probe in the FIR registered in Mumbai had been completed and the chargesheet would be filed soon. As for the Guwahati FIR, Mehta submitted that only the statement of a co-accused remains to be recorded.
The bench recorded Mehta’s submission and observed that the investigation in relation to Allahbadia stood concluded. It further directed Assam Police to clarify whether Allahbadia was still required for any aspect of further investigation.
In light of the update, the Court extended the interim protection from arrest already granted to Allahbadia and fixed April 28 as the date to hear his plea for the release of his passport.
Earlier, on February 18, the apex court had granted protection from coercive action to Allahbadia in connection with multiple FIRs filed over remarks made in the YouTube show, and directed him to deposit his passport with the investigating officer at the Nodal Cyber Police Station in Thane.
Subsequently, on March 3, the Supreme Court permitted him to resume his podcast The Ranveer Show, subject to the condition that the content must adhere to “morality and decency” and be appropriate for audiences of all age groups.
