In a significant move, the Supreme Court of India has voiced its concerns over the regulation of obscene content on platforms like YouTube, prompted by the ongoing controversy surrounding the “India’s Got Latent” show. On Tuesday, February 18, the apex court sought the Union Government’s stance on this pressing issue, signaling a possible shift towards stricter content regulation online.
During the proceedings, the court expressed a strong desire for the government to proactively address the issue. However, it emphasized its readiness to intervene if necessary. “We would be very happy if the Government did something on its own. In any case, we are not going to leave this issue unaddressed,” remarked the bench, which included Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh.
The court’s comments came shortly after it issued a notice on a petition filed by YouTuber Ranveer Allahabadia, against whom FIRs for obscenity have been registered. Despite granting Allahabadia interim protection from arrest, the justices criticized the content and language used in his show, highlighting a broader concern over the lack of effective regulation of online platforms.
In a call to action, the court has requested the assistance of Attorney General for India, R Venkataramani, and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, to address what it referred to as a “vacuum” in the current regulatory framework. The justices have urged Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati to relay their concerns and intentions to the AG and SG, underscoring the need for their presence at the next hearing.
“This is about the misuse of platforms by certain YouTube channels among others. We cannot overlook the importance and sensitivity of the issue,” stated Justice Kant. The Supreme Court’s proactive stance suggests a forthcoming dialogue between the judiciary and the government to forge a path towards more robust regulation of digital content, aiming to strike a balance between creative freedom and societal norms.
