The Supreme Court has lifted the restriction on YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, popularly known as “The BeerBiceps Guy,” allowing him to resume his podcast, The Ranveer Show, following his controversial remarks on a roast show. However, the court mandated that he must provide an undertaking to maintain moral standards in his content to ensure viewership across all age groups.
The bench, comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh, also asked the Centre to consider both freedom of expression and morality while formulating guidelines for digital content. The court emphasized that while censorship should be avoided, digital platforms cannot be a “free-for-all” space.
Background of the Controversy
Allahbadia faced backlash after making an inappropriate comment during a roast show, India’s Got Latent, hosted by comedian Samay Raina. The remark, which involved an offensive hypothetical question about parents, sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many accusing digital platforms of promoting vulgarity under the guise of comedy.
Following the controversy, multiple police complaints were filed against Allahbadia, Raina, and others associated with the show. In response to the uproar, Allahbadia issued a public apology, admitting his lapse in judgment. “Comedy is not my forte, and it wasn’t cool,” he said in a video message, expressing regret over his statement.
Centre’s Stand and Court’s Observations
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that Allahbadia’s remarks were not just vulgar but “perverse.” He stated that the content was inappropriate to the extent that even legal professionals and judges would find it uncomfortable to watch.
The court reiterated that fundamental rights come with duties and reasonable restrictions. Justice Surya Kant highlighted the need for a balanced approach, saying, “We don’t want a regulatory regime that imposes censorship, but digital platforms also cannot be completely unregulated.”
The judges further noted that using offensive language does not constitute talent, emphasizing that true humor should be suitable for a family audience.
Call for Digital Content Guidelines
Acknowledging the need for clearer regulations, the Supreme Court directed the Centre to propose measures that would uphold free speech while maintaining public decency. The court suggested that these guidelines should be drafted with input from various stakeholders, including legal experts, content creators, and the public, before any legislative action is taken.
The Solicitor General has been tasked with formulating recommendations that strike a balance between artistic freedom and moral responsibility. The court also underscored that any new regulations must align with the Constitution’s provisions on public order and morality.
What’s Next?
With Allahbadia’s podcast now allowed to continue under stricter moral standards, the focus shifts to the Centre’s upcoming proposal for regulating digital content. The move is expected to set a precedent for online platforms and creators, ensuring that entertainment content remains within acceptable ethical boundaries without compromising creative expression.
Sources By Agencies