Supreme Court Grants Protection to Influencer Ranveer Allahbadia Amid FIRs Over Controversial Remarks
New Delhi, February 18 – The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday granted interim protection from arrest to social media influencer Ranveer Allahbadia in connection with multiple FIRs filed against him over alleged obscene remarks made during a YouTube program. However, the court also strongly criticized his statements, questioning the social responsibility of influencers.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh took serious exception to Allahbadia's remarks, stating, "His mind is filled with filth, which he chose to spill on a YouTube program." The court further reprimanded the influencer, asking his legal counsel, "If this is not obscenity, then what is? Why should we quash or club the FIRs against you?"
The top court stressed the importance of social values, emphasizing that certain norms must be respected. The bench remarked that the language used by Allahbadia in the program was shameful and would deeply embarrass families, including daughters, sisters, and parents. It categorically stated that freedom of speech does not grant anyone the right to make statements that go against the moral fabric of society.
While extending relief to the influencer, the court acknowledged the concerns raised by his lawyer, senior advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, who argued that his client was facing threats to his life. The Supreme Court prohibited any further FIRs from being registered against Allahbadia regarding the controversial statements made during the YouTube show "India’s Got Latent".
Additionally, the court issued a directive preventing Allahbadia and his fellow influencers from releasing any new episodes of the controversial program until further orders. It also mandated the influencer to surrender his passport to Thane police and prohibited him from leaving India without prior court approval.
Despite the legal relief, the Supreme Court ordered Allahbadia to fully cooperate with ongoing investigations related to the FIRs filed in Maharashtra and Assam. The case highlights the growing scrutiny on social media content creators, emphasizing the need for accountability in the digital space.
