SC allows Ranveer Allahbadia to resume show with 'decency, morality'
What's the story
The Supreme Court of India has lifted the ban on YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, allowing him to continue airing "The Ranveer Show."
The court's decision, however, requires Allahbadia's content to maintain standards of decency and morality.
The SC imposed the condition of not airing any shows as part of his interim protection from arrest in the FIRs registered by Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Assam police. The FIRs were registered over comments made by him in "India's Got Latent Show."
Content guidelines
Court's directive on content and ongoing legal proceedings
The bench, which included Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh, also ordered that Allahbadia's shows not comment on ongoing court proceedings.
Justice Kant disapproved of an incident where an accused spoke about the case abroad.
"These young and oversmart ones think they know more than this...we know how to handle," Justice Kant said.
Allahabadia's counsel, Dr. Abhinav Chandrachud, assured the court his client wouldn't resort to obscenity and would instead bring spiritual leaders and professionals on his show.
Livelihood impact
Opposition and consideration of livelihoods
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had objected to lifting the restriction, calling "India's Got Latent" too vulgar and inappropriate for any audience.
"Forget a man and a woman, a man and a man cannot sit together and watch the show. Myself and....AG cannot sit together and watch the show. Your lordships will not be able to sit together and watch the show," SG said.
However, the court considered the livelihood of over 280 people who depend on Allahabadia's content creation.
Regulation debate
Court's call for online content regulation discussion
During the hearing, the Supreme Court also touched upon the larger issue of regulating online content.
"We don't want any regulatory regime which leads to censorship...but it can't be a free for all. See the quality of humor he has...humor is something the entire family can enjoy, nobody feels embarrassed. Using all filthy language is not talent," Justice Kant said.
The SG was asked to suggest measures that strike a balance between the two under Article 19 of the Constitution.
Apology and protections
Allahabadia's public apology and legal protections
The controversy started when video clips of "India's Got Latent," with explicit sexual references, went viral, triggering public outrage and legal action against Allahbadia and others involved in the episode.
After the controversy, Allahbadia publicly apologized for his remarks, admitting they were inappropriate.
The court had earlier granted Allahbadia interim protection from arrest while directing no more FIRs be registered against him based on the controversial episode.