In a significant relief for Ranveer Allahbadia, the Supreme Court on Monday rejected the prosecution’s request to terminate the YouTuber’s podcast, stating that he could continue his shows, “as long as they adhere to morality and decency.”
“He is saying there are multiple employees, so there are families whose livelihood is in question. Subject to maintaining morality and decency, if he wants to run a program, we can say he can,” said the Supreme Court.
After Allahbadia’s inappropriate comments on the ‘India’s Got Latent’ program, the Supreme Court on February 18 prevented him from broadcasting any show while providing him with temporary protection from arrest due to several FIRs lodged by the police in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Assam.
Nonetheless, the supreme court criticized Allahbadia severely, stating that while freedom of speech exists, it has boundaries, and noted that using vulgar language does not constitute humor.
“There are outstanding comedians in Bollywood and talented writers when it comes to crafting humor.” “Its aspect of creativity,” stated the bench.
Previously, Abhinav Chandrachud, acting on behalf of Allahbadia, urged the court to permit his client to produce podcasts. “He employs a large number of people.” This is his means of living, not humor. I realize he lacks a sense of humor. “However, he conducts interviews with individuals,” stated Chandrachud.
Conversely, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the state, claimed that Allahbadia was guilty by association and requested the court to “allow him to remain silent for a while.”
At the same time, the court informed the prosecution that it opposed a “regulatory framework that results in censorship,” while the bench asserted that “it cannot be an unrestricted environment.”
