“The words you have used—parents will feel ashamed. Sisters and daughters will feel ashamed. The entire society will feel ashamed,” the Supreme Court remarked during the hearing.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, granted interim protection from arrest to YouTuber Ranveer Allahabadia, popularly known as BeerBiceps, in multiple FIRs filed against him in Mumbai, Guwahati, and Jaipur over alleged obscene remarks made during an episode of the YouTube show India’s Got Latent.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh issued the interim order, while also issuing a notice to the respondents—Union of India, State of Maharashtra, and State of Assam—on Allahabadia’s writ petition challenging the FIRs. The Court further directed that no additional FIRs shall be registered against him concerning the India’s Got Latent episode.
Conditions for Interim Protection
While granting Allahabadia relief, the Court imposed strict conditions, including:
- Mandatory cooperation in the investigation whenever summoned by investigating officers.
- No legal representation inside police stations during questioning.
- Deposit of his passport with the Investigating Officer at Thane police station.
- Prohibition on leaving India without prior approval from the Supreme Court.
- Suspension of any new show or similar content by him or his associates until further orders.
Additionally, the Court granted Allahabadia liberty to approach local police in Maharashtra and Assam for protection in case of any threats to his life.
Supreme Court’s Harsh Criticism
Despite granting relief, the Supreme Court strongly rebuked Allahabadia for his choice of words during the controversial episode.
“Are you defending the kind of language?” Justice Kant asked Advocate Dr. Abhinav Chandrachud, who was representing Allahabadia. Chandrachud acknowledged that he found the language “disgusting” but argued that it did not legally constitute obscenity under Indian law. He cited the Apoorva Arora case, which ruled that profanity alone does not amount to obscenity.
However, Justice Kant remained unconvinced, questioning, “If this is not obscenity, then what is? Is that judgment a license to say whatever you want?”
The bench further commented:
“There is something very dirty in his mind, which has been vomited by him in the program. He is insulting parents too. Why should the Courts favor him?”
Legal Arguments and Court’s Response
Advocate Chandrachud pointed out that multiple FIRs had been filed across different states for the same alleged offence, citing the TT Antony case, which restricts multiple FIRs on identical allegations. However, Justice Kant countered, stating that the ingredients of each FIR were different, particularly referencing an FIR filed over humiliating comments about Arunachal Pradesh.
Chandrachud further attempted to draw parallels to the Nupur Sharma case, where the Supreme Court had granted relief despite a more controversial statement. He also noted that Allahabadia had been receiving death threats, but Justice Kant responded, “If you try to attain cheap publicity by saying such things, there will be others who might want to gain publicity by issuing threats.”
The Court did not condone the threats but assured that state authorities would handle security concerns.
Court Displeased with Lawyer’s Presence at Police Station
A separate issue arose when Chandrachud mentioned that a lawyer accompanying Allahabadia to the police station was mobbed by a crowd. The Court strongly disapproved of this, questioning, “Why did the lawyer go? Under which law? Just because you can pay, lawyers will start rendering these services? This insults the legal profession.”
The Controversial Episode and Public Backlash
The case stems from a viral clip from India’s Got Latent, a YouTube show hosted by comedian Samay Raina. The episode featured Allahabadia alongside Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, and Apoorva Makhija. The video sparked massive outrage on social media, leading to FIRs in multiple states for “promoting obscenity and engaging in sexually explicit discussions.”
Following the controversy:
- Samay Raina issued a public apology and deleted all episodes of India’s Got Latent from his channel.
- Allahabadia also publicly apologized, admitting that his comments were inappropriate.
On February 10, Guwahati Police registered an FIR against five YouTubers linked to the show. Subsequently, the Maharashtra Cyber Department and Jaipur Police also lodged separate cases.
Allahabadia’s Legal Battle and Bail Pleas
On February 14, Chandrachud sought urgent listing of the matter before CJI Sanjiv Khanna, expressing concerns about coercive action by Assam police. However, the CJI did not grant any immediate relief beyond the scheduled hearing.
Separately, YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani has approached the Gauhati High Court seeking anticipatory bail in connection with the FIR filed against him by Guwahati Police.
Case Title: RANVEER GAUTAM ALLAHABADIA Versus UNION OF INDIA AND ORS., W.P.(Crl.) No. 83/2025
#SupremeCourt to hear today a writ petition filed by YouTuber Ranveer Allahabadia (@BeerBicepsGuy) in respect of FIRs registered against him across multiple states over his remarks during the “India’s Got Latent” show
Bench: Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh pic.twitter.com/R4NIg5h2ay
— NewsBreak24 (@NewsBreak24Live) February 18, 2025
Allahabadia’s Rising Profile Amid Controversy
Despite the legal troubles, Allahabadia has been a popular digital creator. Notably, in 2024, he received the Disruptor of the Year award at the National Creators Award, presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
What’s Next?
With the Supreme Court granting interim relief but making its displeasure clear, Allahabadia remains under legal scrutiny. The next course of action will depend on:
- The response from the Union of India, Maharashtra, and Assam.
- The progress of ongoing investigations.
- Potential consolidation or quashing of multiple FIRs.
As the case unfolds, it highlights the growing legal challenges surrounding social media content, digital expression, and community standards in India.
