SC grants interim protection to Ranveer Allahbadia after grilling him
What's the story
The Supreme Court of India has provided interim protection to YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, who is at the center of a controversy over his "parental sex" remarks on Samay Raina's comedy show India's Got Latent. The apex court termed his comments "offensive, disgusting, and filthy," and slammed him for misusing free speech. Nevertheless, the court has temporarily shielded him from arrest after multiple FIRs by the Maharashtra Cyber Department, Guwahati Police, and Jaipur Police.
Court's reprimand
'Do you have the license to say anything?'
During the hearing, a bench headed by Justice Surya Kant reportedly grilled Allahbadia, asking, "Do you have the license to say anything to give vent to your dirty mind?" "Such behavior has to be condemned. Just because you are popular, you cannot take society for granted. Is there anyone on earth who would like this language? There is something very dirty in his mind which has been vomited. Why should we protect him?" the court said, per Bar and Bench.
Legal proceedings
'Parents will be ashamed, sisters will be ashamed...'
"The words you have chosen, parents will be ashamed, sisters will be ashamed. The entire society will feel ashamed. The perverted mind! If there are threats (against Allahbadia), the law will take the course," Justice Kant was quoted as saying by Live Law. Allahbadia's lawyer Abhinav Chandrachud had sought an urgent hearing on Friday. In response, Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna assured that the case would be listed before a bench in two to three days.
Apology and safety
Allahbadia expressed safety concerns, apologized for remarks
Responding to the controversy, Allahbadia claimed he was worried about his and his family's safety. He has promised to cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities. After facing public backlash, he apologized saying he "shouldn't have said what he said." In a video posted on his X account, Allahbadia confessed: "My comment wasn't just inappropriate, it wasn't even funny. Comedy is not my forte; I am just here to say sorry."
NCW action
NCW's involvement and rescheduled hearing date
Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has also intervened in the matter. It has summoned Allahbadia, Raina, and others involved in the controversy. After Allahbadia reported receiving death threats, the Commission acceded to his request for a new hearing date after three weeks and rescheduled it for March 6. Notably, The Supreme Court has also instructed Allahbadia to surrender his passport and seek prior permission before leaving the country.