The Supreme Court of India has conditionally lifted the broadcast ban on Ranveer Allahabadia, allowing him to resume his popular YouTube show, “The Ranveer Show,” provided he adheres to standards of decency and morality. The decision came on Monday, March 3, amidst ongoing legal proceedings concerning charges of obscenity filed in multiple states.
Previously, Allahabadia was barred from airing any shows as a condition of his interim protection from arrest following FIRs registered by the Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Assam Police. These were based on alleged obscene comments made during his other show, “India’s Got Latent.”
Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh stressed the importance of content that viewers of all ages can safely watch. They expressed concerns about comments made concerning ongoing legal matters and emphasized the need for restraint. The bench was particularly critical of an incident where one of the accused discussed the case publicly while overseas.
Represented by Dr. Abhinav Chandrachud, Allahabadia proposed that his future broadcasts would avoid profanity and include more wholesome content featuring spiritual leaders and professionals. His counsel highlighted the significant impact of the ban on Allahabadia’s livelihood and the 280 employees reliant on his productions.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Union and the governments of Maharashtra and Assam, criticized the content of “India’s Got Latent” for its level of “perversity,” suggesting that it was unsuitable for general viewership. However, following Chandrachud’s assurances and the economic implications presented, the court seemed inclined to modify the broadcast restrictions.
The hearing also touched upon the broader issues of online content regulation. Justice Kant proposed a balanced regulatory framework that avoids outright censorship but ensures that digital media does not compromise societal moral standards. The court suggested that the Union Government engage with stakeholders to draft effective regulations.
This judicial review comes after a public backlash against “India’s Got Latent,” which led to co-host Samay Raina deleting the episodes and issuing a public apology. Allahabadia also apologized for his remarks, which he acknowledged as inappropriate.
