SC bars Ranveer Allahbadia from hosting shows

The Supreme Court on Tuesday restrained YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, popularly known as BeerBiceps, from hosting any new shows following multiple FIRs filed against him over his controversial remarks on the comedy show India's Got Latent. The decision was made by a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh, who granted interim protection from arrest while directing Allahbadia to cooperate with the ongoing investigations.

The apex court criticized the influencer for his remarks, calling them "unacceptable" and "showing a perverted mind." Justice Surya Kant, in a scathing observation, stated, "The words you have used will make daughters, sisters, parents, and even society feel ashamed. If this is not obscenity, what is it?"

Multiple FIRs and police summons

Allahbadia has been under intense scrutiny after several FIRs were filed against him for a controversial statement he made on comedian Samay Raina’s YouTube reality show India’s Got Latent. The Mumbai Khar Police issued a third summons to the influencer, directing him to appear for questioning immediately.

During the show, Allahbadia posed an inappropriate question to a contestant: “Would you rather watch your parents have sex for the rest of your life, or would you join in once and stop it forever?” The remark, which quickly went viral on social media, sparked widespread outrage, with many calling it distasteful and disrespectful.

Following the backlash, Allahbadia issued multiple apologies. However, the controversy refused to die down as more complaints were lodged against him and others associated with the show. The Supreme Court acknowledged the severity of the public reaction but agreed to protect Allahbadia from arrest, considering the multiple FIRs and alleged death threats against him.

SC Questions Defense Argument

Senior advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, representing Allahbadia, argued for protection against arrest. However, Justice Surya Kant questioned, "Are you defending the kind of language he has used?" Chandrachud admitted that even he found the remark "disgusting."

Despite legal protection from arrest, Allahbadia has been explicitly barred from hosting any new shows until further notice. The court emphasized the need for accountability in digital content creation and called for greater responsibility from influencers with massive followings.

Public Backlash and Apology

With over 16 million followers across social media, Allahbadia's statement has stirred a major controversy. He initially apologized but later expressed fear for his and his family’s safety due to ongoing death threats. On February 15, he issued a second apology on social media, acknowledging the insensitivity of his remarks.

"I will follow due process and be available to all agencies. My remark about parents was insensitive and disrespectful. It is my moral responsibility to do better, and I am genuinely sorry," Allahbadia wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

This controversy has reignited discussions around the responsibilities of digital creators and influencers. With the Supreme Court stepping in, the case raises important questions about content moderation, ethical boundaries in entertainment, and the accountability of social media personalities with a significant public influence.