The Supreme Court of India has recently issued a notice to the governments of Assam and Maharashtra regarding a plea filed by YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani. This plea seeks to either quash or transfer an FIR registered against him in Guwahati, which alleges that he promoted obscenity during an episode of the controversial online show “India’s Got Latent.” The Court has combined Chanchlani’s petition with that of fellow influencer Ranveer Allahbadia, who is also facing similar charges.

The FIR against Chanchlani and others, including Allahbadia, was filed after a viral episode of “India’s Got Latent” aired, featuring discussions that were deemed vulgar and inappropriate. The complaint led to the registration of FIRs in multiple states, including Assam and Maharashtra, under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Information Technology Act, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act.

On February 18, the Supreme Court granted interim protection from arrest to Allahbadia while he navigates similar legal challenges stemming from his remarks on the show. The Court has criticized his comments as “vulgar” and indicative of a “dirty mind,” emphasizing the need for responsible content creation.

During the hearing, Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh addressed Chanchlani’s concerns regarding multiple FIRs lodged against him across different jurisdictions. His legal counsel argued for the quashing or transfer of the FIR from Guwahati to Mumbai, where another FIR was registered first. The bench acknowledged Chanchlani’s existing bail status but noted that it was essential to determine which FIR should take precedence.

The Guwahati High Court had previously granted Chanchlani interim bail and instructed him to appear before investigating officers within ten days. The Supreme Court’s recent notice requires responses from both state governments regarding these proceedings.

This case highlights the growing scrutiny faced by content creators in India, particularly those involved in online platforms. The legal actions taken against Chanchlani and Allahbadia underscore the potential consequences of perceived obscenity in digital content. As regulations around online content tighten, influencers may need to adopt more cautious approaches in their creative expressions to avoid legal repercussions.

The Supreme Court’s decision to club Ashish Chanchlani’s plea with Ranveer Allahbadia’s case indicates a significant step toward addressing issues surrounding online content regulation in India. As this case unfolds, it will be crucial for stakeholders in the digital space to navigate the complexities of legal compliance while maintaining their creative freedoms.

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court has issued notices to Assam and Maharashtra regarding Ashish Chanchlani’s plea to quash or transfer an FIR.
• Chanchlani and Ranveer Allahbadia are facing charges related to promoting obscenity on “India’s Got Latent.”
• The case reflects increasing scrutiny of online content creators in India.
• Interim protection from arrest has been granted to Allahbadia pending further proceedings.