Supreme Court Protects Influencer from Arrest Over Controversial Comments:
In a landmark ruling on 18 February 2025, the Supreme Court of India protected influencer Ranveer Allahbadia, popularly known as BeerBiceps, from arrest over his controversial comments made during a YouTube show. However, the court severely criticized Allahbadia for his remarks, describing them as indicative of a “perverted mind.”
Background of the Case
Ranveer Allahbadia, a well-known influencer, faced widespread backlash after making distasteful comments about parents and sex during an episode of comedian Samay Raina’s YouTube show, “India’s Got Latent.” Several FIRs (First Information Reports) were filed against Allahbadia across different states, including Maharashtra and Assam, leading to a legal battle that reached the Supreme Court.
……….Supreme Court Protects Influencer from Arrest Over Controversial Comments
Supreme Court’s Stance
The Supreme Court, while expressing strong disapproval of Allahbadia’s comments, decided to protect him from arrest. Justice Surya Kant, who was on the bench along with Justice N Kotiswar Singh, berated Allahbadia for his “unacceptable comments,” stating, “There is something dirty in his mind which has been vomited on the YouTube show.”
Justice Surya Kant further questioned the nature of Allahbadia’s remarks, saying, “The words you have used will make daughters, sisters, parents, and even society feel ashamed. It shows a perverted mind. If this is not obscenity, what is it? Why should we quash or club the FIRs against you?” …..Supreme Court Protects Influencer from Arrest Over Controversial Comments
Legal Arguments and Court’s Decision
Senior advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, representing Allahbadia, argued that while the comments were distasteful, they did not amount to a criminal offence. He emphasized that profanity alone does not constitute obscenity and highlighted the potential for misuse of legal processes to target individuals for their speech.
The court acknowledged Chandrachud’s arguments and agreed to protect Allahbadia from arrest, considering the multiple FIRs filed on the same issue and the death threats he received. The bench directed that no further FIRs be lodged against him for his comments on the show and restrained Allahbadia and his associate influencers from airing any new episodes of the controversial show until further orders.
Additionally, the court directed Allahbadia to deposit his passport with the Thane police station and prohibited him from leaving the country without prior court permission. The bench also instructed Allahbadia to cooperate with the ongoing investigations in Maharashtra and Assam.
Broader Implications and Observations
The Supreme Court’s decision underscores the delicate balance between freedom of speech and the need to uphold societal values. Justice Surya Kant emphasized that freedom of speech does not grant individuals a license to speak against societal norms, stating, “In the name of freedom of speech, no one has a license to speak whatever they want against the norms of society.”
The court also sought responses from the Centre, Maharashtra, and Assam governments on Allahbadia’s plea to club and quash multiple FIRs against him. This move highlights the court’s role in ensuring that legal processes are not misused to target individuals for their speech, while also holding them accountable for any potential violations. …Supreme Court Protects Influencer from Arrest Over Controversial Comments
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s ruling in this case reflects its commitment to protecting individual rights while upholding societal values. While Ranveer Allahbadia was spared from arrest, the court’s strong condemnation of his remarks serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with public influence. The decision also highlights the ongoing debate over the boundaries of freedom of speech in the digital age, where influencers and content creators must navigate the fine line between creative expression and societal norms.