In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of India has denied YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia’s request for the release of his passport, extending his interim protection from arrest. This decision comes as he faces scrutiny over controversial remarks made during an episode of the show India’s Got Latent.

Ranveer Allahbadia, known for his podcast and social media presence, has been embroiled in controversy following comments he made on the popular show. These remarks, perceived as distasteful, particularly regarding sensitive topics involving parents and sexuality, led to multiple complaints filed against him. The FIRs were registered in various locations including Mumbai and Guwahati, charging him under several sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act for promoting obscenity.

The controversy escalated when Allahbadia was summoned by police authorities for questioning. Despite issuing an apology for his comments, he faced backlash from both the public and legal entities, resulting in restrictions on his content creation activities.

During a recent hearing, Allahbadia sought to modify the condition requiring him to surrender his passport, arguing that it hindered his ability to travel abroad for professional commitments. Senior advocate Abhinav Chandrachud represented him in court, emphasizing that his livelihood was being affected due to the inability to travel.

However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the investigation into Allahbadia’s remarks is expected to conclude within two weeks. The Supreme Court expressed concerns that allowing Allahbadia to travel could impede the ongoing investigation. Justice Surya Kant remarked, “If we allow you to travel frequently, then the investigation is likely to be hampered.”

Consequently, the court has scheduled a follow-up hearing for April 21, 2025, at which point it will reconsider Allahbadia’s plea for passport release based on the status of the investigation.

The Supreme Court did not hold back in its criticism of Allahbadia’s comments. The bench described his remarks as “vulgar” and suggested that they reflected poorly on societal values. The court emphasized that such behavior could not be overlooked, reinforcing its stance on maintaining decency in public discourse.

Despite these challenges, Allahbadia has been granted interim protection from arrest in connection with the FIRs filed against him. This protection allows him to continue his activities while complying with legal requirements during the investigation process.

As Ranveer Allahbadia awaits further developments in his case, the outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for content creators navigating sensitive topics in their work. The ongoing scrutiny highlights the delicate balance between creative expression and societal responsibility.

The Supreme Court’s decision to delay any passport release reflects a cautious approach towards ensuring that investigations are not compromised. With a follow-up hearing set for later this month, all eyes will be on how this situation unfolds.

Ranveer Allahbadia’s case serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding freedom of expression and accountability in today’s digital landscape. As he navigates this challenging period, both fans and critics will be watching closely to see how he responds to these legal challenges and what it means for future content creators.

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court denies Ranveer Allahbadia’s plea for passport release amid ongoing investigations into controversial remarks.
• Solicitor General assures the court that investigations will be completed within two weeks.
• The court extends interim protection from arrest while criticizing Allahbadia’s comments as “vulgar.”
• A follow-up hearing is scheduled for April 21 to reconsider his request based on investigation progress.