Supreme Court urges regulation of obscene YouTube content amid Ranveer Allahbadia controversy
PTC Web Desk: The Supreme Court on Tuesday emphasised the need for regulating obscene content on YouTube, highlighting concerns over YouTubers exploiting the absence of stringent online platform regulations. The court remarked that action was necessary to address the issue.
This observation followed the hearing of a plea by YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, who sought to combine multiple FIRs lodged against him over a controversial joke he made on comedian Samay Raina's 'India's Got Latent' show, which was streamed on YouTube. A Bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh issued a notice to the Centre, expressing willingness to support government initiatives aimed at regulating online content on YouTube. The Bench also requested Attorney General R Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to assist the court in addressing the regulatory gap concerning vulgar content on digital platforms. Both were directed to appear at the next hearing.
The Supreme Court granted protection to Ranveer Allahbadia, known as 'BeerBiceps,' from arrest over his offensive comments on the 'India's Got Latent' show. However, the court criticised his remarks, describing them as reflective of a "perverted mind."
Justice Kant questioned the nature of the joke, stating, "If this isn't obscene, then what is? You can't just showcase vulgarity and depravity. Only two FIRs are involved—one in Mumbai and another in Assam. Claiming harassment isn't justified unless there's an overwhelming number of cases. If there were 100 FIRs, then he could argue he's unable to defend himself."
The court further ruled that no additional FIRs would be registered against Allahbadia related to the 'India's Got Latent' show. He was permitted to seek protection from the local police in Maharashtra and Assam if faced with threats hindering his participation in the investigation. Additionally, Allahbadia was ordered to surrender his passport to Thane police and was barred from leaving the country without the Supreme Court's approval.
- With inputs from agencies
