New Delhi, Mar 3 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Monday permitted YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, popularly known as BeerBiceps, to resume hosting his podcast, The Ranveer Show, provided he adheres to general standards of morality and decency.
A Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice NK Singh issued the order on a petition filed by Allahbadia, who faced multiple criminal cases across the country due to controversial remarks made by him and other judges during an episode of India’s Got Latent.
Previously, the Court had granted him interim protection from arrest with the condition that he refrain from appearing on any show. However, during the latest hearing, Advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, representing Allahbadia, contended that this restriction was affecting not only his client’s livelihood but also the employment of around 280 staff members.
Taking note of these concerns, the Court modified its order, allowing Allahbadia to resume his podcast, with the caveat that the content must not include vulgar language.
“As of now, the petitioner was restrained from airing any shows. Subject to the petitioner furnishing an undertaking that his podcast will maintain the desired standards of morality and decency so that viewers of any age group can watch, the petitioner is permitted to resume The Ranveer Show,” the Court ruled.
During the hearing, the Court also indicated that it may widen the scope of the case to explore potential regulatory measures for preventing the broadcast of obscene speech.
Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta was requested to propose measures that would effectively regulate such content while safeguarding the fundamental right to free speech and expression under Article 19(4) of the Constitution.
“We have requested the SG to deliberate upon and suggest measures that do not infringe upon free speech but are effective enough to ensure that content remains within the bounds of constitutional morality. Any proposed regulatory framework shall be made public for feedback from stakeholders before any legislative or judicial action is taken,” the Court noted.
The controversy stems from an episode of India’s Got Latent, recorded on November 14, 2024, at Khar Habitat, but aired more recently. The case also involves YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani, who has sought relief from an FIR filed against him in Assam, arguing that a similar FIR had already been lodged in Mumbai. The Gauhati High Court had previously granted him anticipatory bail.
In a previous hearing, the Supreme Court had reprimanded Allahbadia for obscene remarks made on his show, labeling his language as degrading and reflective of a “perverted mind.”
The Bench questioned whether unrestricted vulgarity could be justified as artistic expression and emphasized that such content was offensive to society, particularly parents and women.
SG Mehta, representing the governments of Maharashtra, Assam, and Rajasthan, argued that the controversial remarks were not only vulgar but also perverse. “Humour is one thing, vulgarity is another, and perversity is a different level,” he stated.
The Court agreed that regulatory measures may be necessary but cautioned against excessive censorship. “We do not want a regime of censorship, but at the same time, content platforms cannot be a free-for-all. There must be a balance,” Justice Kant remarked.
Referring to standards of humour, Justice Kant noted, “There is a 75-year-old artist who does humorous shows that a full family can watch. That is a true talent. Using filthy language is not talent. There is a difference between creativity and mere provocation.”
SG Mehta concurred, highlighting that many comedians critique the government without resorting to offensive language. The Bench emphasized that while commercial interests must be protected, they should not come at the cost of social morality.
The Court has now invited suggestions from legal experts, the media industry, and other stakeholders to determine an appropriate framework for online content regulation, ensuring a balance between free speech and societal norms.
