Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday issued notices to the Maharashtra and Assam governments in response to YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani’s petition seeking to quash or transfer an FIR registered in Guwahati related to allegations of promoting obscenity in an online show.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh has clubbed Chanchlani’s plea with influencer Ranveer Allahbadia’s case. The bench acknowledged that Chanchlani is already on interim bail, but his counsel argued against the multiple FIRs filed for the same content.
Supreme Court’s Interim Protection for Allahbadia
On February 18, the Supreme Court granted interim protection from arrest to podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, widely known as BeerBiceps, over his controversial remarks on the YouTube show “India’s Got Latent”, hosted by Samay Raina. The court deemed his statements “vulgar” and “disgraceful to society.”
The Guwahati Police filed an FIR on February 10, following a complaint under sections of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), Information Technology Act, Cinematograph Act, and Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act.
On Tuesday, the Gauhati High Court granted interim bail to Chanchlani during his anticipatory bail plea, directing him to appear before the investigating officer within 10 days.
Mumbai Police Issues Third Summons to Ranveer Allahbadia
Meanwhile, Mumbai Police has issued a third summons to Ranveer Allahbadia, directing him to appear on February 24 for questioning over his remarks in “India’s Got Latent.”
NCW Reschedules Hearings Amid Security Concerns
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has rescheduled hearings for multiple influencers, including Samay Raina, Apoorva Mukhija, and Ashish Chanchlani, after they failed to appear on February 17. Several cited safety concerns, travel commitments, or logistical issues.
• Allahbadia, who cited death threats, has been granted a hearing on March 6, 2025.
• Mukhija will appear virtually on March 6 due to security concerns.
• Raina, currently on a US tour, will attend his hearing upon return on March 11.
• Singh, on a Paris tour, is scheduled to return by March 10 and will appear the next day.
• Chanchlani, unable to attend due to illness, was represented by his lawyer and has been given a March 6 hearing.
Meanwhile, Poojari and Bothra, who did not respond to the summons, have drawn the NCW’s ire, prompting the commission to reissue notices.
