NCW reschedules hearing after Allahbadia, Mukhija cite 'death threats'
What's the story
Popular Indian YouTubers Samay Raina, Ranveer Allahbadia, and Apoorva Makhija, aka 'The Rebel Kid,' were set to appear before the National Commission for Women (NCW) via video conference on Monday at 12:00pm.
The virtual appearance was permitted after the NCW summoned them for using derogatory remarks on the YouTube show India's Got Latent.
However, due to concerns about personal safety, existing travel obligations, and other logistical issues, they were unable to attend in person, according to NCW.
Silence maintained
NCW issued a new hearing date
Allahabadia, citing death threats, requested a three-week delay, leading the Commission to reschedule his hearing for March 6.
Mukhija—expressing safety concerns—asked to attend virtually until conditions improve, and her hearing was also moved to March 6. Ashish Chanchlani was also given the same date.
Raina—currently in the US for a pre-planned tour—assured the NCW of his availability upon his return, prompting his hearing to be set for March 11.
Jaspreet Singh is also set to appear on March 11.
Twitter Post
Take a look at this post here
India's Got Latent Row | National Commission for Women issues new hearing date following non-appearance of individuals
— ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2025
Ranveer Allahbadia, Apoorva Mukhija, Ashish Chanchlani, Tushar Poojari and Saurabh Bothra summoned on March 6.
Samay Raina, Jaspreet Singh and Balraj Ghai… pic.twitter.com/XoDYgxDNAD
Official statement
NCW condemned creators for violating 'dignity and respect'
Condemning the creators' comments for triggering widespread public outrage, the NCW, in an official statement, said, "These comments...violate the dignity and respect owed to every individual, particularly in a society that upholds equality and mutual respect."
The controversy was sparked by Allahbadia's inappropriate remark. He asked a contestant, "Would you watch your parents have sex every day for the rest of your life, or would you join in once and stop it forever?"
This question invited a severe backlash.
Legal action
Multiple FIRs registered against 'India's Got Latent' creators
The Guwahati Police registered an FIR under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against Raina and all judges on the show, including Allahbadia, Chanchlani, Singh, and Makhija.
The Maharashtra Cyber Cell also registered an FIR against over 30 people in connection with India's Got Latent.
Separately, several other complaints have been filed against the YouTubers, including one in Bandra Magistrate Court demanding stringent action against those who used derogatory remarks on the show.
Legal proceedings
Allahbadia and Raina face charges of 'obscene acts'
Amid this controversy, a Google form from September-October 2024, related to registration for India's Got Latent, has resurfaced on social media.
The form mentions rules for the show, including that "Making the audience unnecessarily uncomfortable by the mention of inappropriate phrases...might lead to a contestant being expelled." This has raised questions if Raina himself violated these rules.
Meanwhile, Allahbadia has now approached the Supreme Court to get relief from the multiple FIRs lodged against him across India.