YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, who is better known as “BeerBiceps” on social media, has moved the Supreme Court seeking protection against multiple FIRs filed across various states. The FIRs were filed after inflammatory remarks in a since-deleted episode of the YouTube reality show India’s Got Latent, which features comedian Samay Raina.
In a petition submitted through his lawyer, Abhinav Chandrachud, son of former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud Allahbadia sought the consolidation of the FIRs filed against him. He also sought anticipatory bail, fearing arrest by Guwahati police, who have already issued him and other participants in the show a summons.
The petition was brought before Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, who declined to order an urgent hearing, citing that a date had already been set for the case. Justice Khanna instructed Allahbadia’s lawyers to verify with the court registry for further details.
The controversy was ignited after Allahbadia’s remark about parents and sex while appearing on an episode of India’s Got Latent, where comedians and influencers played various roles. His offending question, “Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day for the rest of your life or join in once and stop it forever?” was widely criticized, and numerous complaints were lodged nationwide.
A complaint by a resident of Guwahati led the Assam police to register a case under obscenity and public morality sections. The FIR names Allahbadia, Raina, and other participants such as Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, and Apoorva Makhija.
FIRs were filed in Guwahati, Assam, on a complaint of obscenity and offending remarks on the show. A group of Assam police officers has proceeded to Mumbai to serve notice on Allahbadia, Raina, and other contestants. Raina, who is based in Pune, has also been summoned to appear before the Assam police within four days, but he is overseas in the United States for performances and has requested more time to appear.
The issue has even found its way to the Parliamentary floor, with Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske calling for stricter controls on social media content. A parliamentary panel on communications and information technology has asked the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to present a detailed report on the matter by February 17.
