Popular YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia also known as BeerBiceps approached the Indian Supreme Court on Friday due to multiple FIRs filed against him for an alleged inappropriate remark during the YouTube show India’s Got Latent. The viral comment created widespread public outrage. During the show with Samay Raina, Allahbadia asked a contestant “Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day for the rest of your life or join in once and stop it forever?”
The comments sparked national criticism leading multiple people to file FIRs throughout different states. A Guwahati resident filed a formal complaint which led the Assam Police to register it on the grounds of public obscenity, morality, and other relevant laws. Also, the Cyber Department of Maharashtra filed charges against the show’s creators regarding promoting vulgar content. The department demanded that 18 episodes be removed from the YouTube platform since it featured inappropriate language and content.
Youtuber Allahbadia Seeks Anticipatory Bail
In his petition before the Supreme Court, Allahbadia, represented by Advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, sought to club the FIRs filed across different states into one case. He also requested anticipatory bail, fearing potential arrest by the Assam Police, who had already issued summons to him and other participants of the show, including Samay Raina. However, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, upon hearing the request, declined an urgent hearing and assured that the case would be listed as per the court’s procedure.
Allahbadia released a public statement after the FIRs where he apologised for his misjudgment while speaking on the show. Apart from this, Samay Raina published a social media apology during which he stated he is taking down every episode from his show on Youtube platform. Raina explained how the circumstances became too stressful to handle before saying he would support authorities in their investigations.
Parliament Calls For Stricter Online Content Regulations
The public outcry from this controversy gained the attention of government officials who addressed the matter in the Parliament. MP Naresh Mhaske of Shiv Sena brought this matter before the Parliament to demand increased restrictions on online content. As per the request from a parliamentary panel, The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting must submit a report by February 17.
