New Delhi: The Supreme Court has granted partial relief to YouTube personality Ranveer Allahbadia, who is facing backlash over comments about parents and sex during an episode of the stand-up show India’s Got Latent. The court ruled that no further police cases could be registered against him regarding this matter.
Addressing concerns over death threats to Mr. Allahbadia and his family, the court allowed him to seek protection from the Maharashtra and Assam police if needed.
The court also directed that he would not be arrested by authorities in Maharashtra, Assam, or in connection with a third complaint filed in Jaipur, provided he cooperates with the investigation.
However, Mr. Allahbadia must surrender his passport to the police in Thane, Maharashtra, and cannot leave the country without prior court approval. Additionally, the court barred him and his associates from participating in any further stand-up comedy or ‘roast’ shows until further notice.
Court Seeks Centre’s Response on Social Media Guidelines for ‘Obscene’ Content
Supreme Court Slams Ranveer Allahbadia
On Tuesday, a bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh heard YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia’s plea to consolidate multiple FIRs and seek anticipatory bail against potential arrest by Guwahati Police. Last week, a team from Guwahati visited his Mumbai residence for questioning over controversial comments made during the stand-up show India’s Got Latent.
The hearing began with Mr. Allahbadia’s lawyer, Abhinav Chandrachud—son of former Chief Justice DY Chandrachud—facing tough questions from the bench regarding his client’s remarks.
Mr. Chandrachud did not shy away from criticizing the comments, stating he was “personally disgusted” by them. “I cannot defend this on moral grounds,” he admitted, while arguing that the remarks may not meet the threshold for a criminal offense.
The court, however, appeared unconvinced. Justice Surya Kant expressed strong disapproval, stating, “If this is not obscenity in this country, then what is!?”
Justice Kant’s rebuke escalated into a sharp critique of Allahbadia—known online as the ‘BeerBiceps guy’—accusing him of promoting indecency. “There is something dirty in his mind that is spread by this programme,” he remarked, questioning why the court should entertain such individuals.
The judge also condemned the potential impact of Allahbadia’s comments, saying, “What embarrassment he has caused to his parents! We know where he has copied the question from… Certain societies enforce age restrictions on such content to maintain precautions.”
“Popularity Doesn’t Grant a License to Offend,” Supreme Court Tells Ranveer Allahbadia
Justice Surya Kant strongly criticized YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia during Tuesday’s hearing, stating, “… just because somebody thinks ‘I am popular, I can speak anything and take society for granted’—you tell us, who in the world would like such words?”
Condemning the language used during the controversial India’s Got Latent episode, Justice Kant added, “The words you have chosen… parents will be ashamed, sisters will be ashamed. The entire society will feel ashamed. The perversion you and your henchmen have exhibited!”
Despite the sharp rebuke, the court acknowledged the seriousness of the death threats against Mr. Allahbadia. “We have a judicial system… we are bound by the rule of law. If there are threats, the law will take its course. We are not supporting this (the threats). I am sure the State will provide necessary protection,” the court said.
In a partial relief, the court granted Mr. Allahbadia temporary protection from arrest and barred the registration of additional police cases against him.
Police Cases and Death Threats for ‘BeerBiceps Guy’
Ranveer Allahbadia is facing multiple police cases along with a summons from the National Commission for Women (NCW), scheduled for March 6. He skipped an earlier summons on Monday, citing death threats and a reported ₹5 lakh bounty on his head.
Others linked to the controversy, including show host Samay Raima and participant Apoorva Makhija, have also reported receiving threats and are named in police cases. Social media influencer Ashish Chanchlani is similarly under investigation.
Over the weekend, Mr. Allahbadia expressed fear but vowed to stand his ground. “I am scared, but I won’t back down. I’m watching death threats pour in—people are saying they want to kill me and hurt my family,” he said, alleging that his mother’s medical clinic had also been targeted.
After Ranveer Allahbadia failed to appear before the police, officers from Mumbai and Guwahati visited his residence in Mumbai. However, they found the door locked and the social media personality—whose request to record his statement at home had been denied—was nowhere to be found.
Mumbai Police Probe Continues, No Case Filed Yet
Mumbai Police, acting on a complaint from a BJP functionary, have recorded statements from seven individuals, including Apoorva Makhija and Ashish Chanchlani. Meanwhile, separate investigations are being conducted by Guwahati Police and Maharashtra’s Cyber Department.
Despite the ongoing inquiries, Mumbai Police have not yet registered a formal case.
Ranveer Allahbadia Apologises
Following the controversy, Ranveer Allahbadia issued a public apology, admitting to a lapse in judgment and accepting responsibility for his remarks.
“My comment wasn’t just inappropriate—it wasn’t even funny. Comedy is not my forte; I am just here to say sorry,” he said in a video message, acknowledging that he had misused his platform.
Without offering any defense, he added, “I am not going to give any context, justification, or reasoning. I personally had a lapse in judgment—it wasn’t cool on my part.”
Reiterating his apology on Saturday, Mr. Allahbadia specifically addressed his offensive comment, saying, “My remark about parents was insensitive and disrespectful, and I am genuinely sorry.”
