'Latent' controversy: Ranveer Allahbadia moves SC against multiple FIRs
What's the story
Prominent YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, also known as BeerBiceps, has moved the Supreme Court (SC) seeking relief against several First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against him in various states.
The FIRs were filed over controversial remarks he made on the web show, India's Got Latent.
His plea, however, was denied an urgent hearing on Friday by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, who said a date for the petition was already assigned and oral mentioning of cases wasn't allowed.
Controversy details
Allahbadia's controversial comments sparked nationwide debate
Allahbadia, who has over 16 million followers across social media platforms, faced backlash after a video of his remarks on parents and sex went viral.
The incident has sparked debates on freedom of speech and decency in India.
Attempting to quell the storm, Allahbadia issued a video apology, terming his remarks a "lapse in judgment," but the controversy only continues to grow.
Investigation widens
Comedian Samay Raina summoned amid expanding investigation
Earlier, India's Got Latent host and comedian Samay Raina was summoned by the Maharashtra Cyber Department and Mumbai Police for his role in the controversy.
The investigation is now spanning across multiple states and various law enforcement agencies.
Raina, who is currently in the US, has been given five days to appear before authorities in connection with Allahbadia's comments made on his YouTube show.
Ongoing probe
Assam Police team joined investigation in Mumbai
An Assam Police team reached Mumbai on Thursday to work with Maharashtra Cyber Cell officials in their investigation into the case registered against Allahbadia and others in Assam.
The Guwahati Police had registered a case against Allahbadia and four others earlier this week.
The Mumbai Police have already recorded statements of seven people, including social media influencer Apoorva Makhija.
Legal summons
'India's Got Latent' controversy reached Parliament and NCW
The controversy was even raised in Parliament by Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske, who called for new laws to regulate social media content.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also summoned Allahbadia, Raina, Makhija, Jaspreet Singh, Ashish Chanchlani, and the show's producers Tushar Poojari and Saurabh Bothra.
They are expected to appear before the commission on February 17 in New Delhi.