Latent Controversy: Ranveer Allahbadia Moves SC Against Multiple FIRs

February 14, 2025

What's the story: Prominent YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, known by his online persona BeerBiceps, has approached the Supreme Court seeking relief against multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against him in different states. The FIRs were registered following controversial comments he made on the web show India's Got Latent.

Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna denied the request for an urgent hearing on his plea on February 14, stating that a date for the petition had already been set, and oral mentioning of cases was not permissible.

Controversy Details:

The controversy erupted when Allahbadia's comments about parents and sex went viral, sparking nationwide debate about freedom of speech and decency in India. Despite issuing an apology and describing his remarks as a "lapse in judgment," the controversy continued to grow, causing widespread backlash.

Investigation Widens:

As the investigation continues, Samay Raina, the host of India's Got Latent, was summoned by the Maharashtra Cyber Department and Mumbai Police for his involvement in the matter. The probe is now extending across multiple states, with authorities from various law enforcement agencies participating.

Raina, currently in the US, has been given five days to appear before the authorities.

Ongoing Probe:

An Assam Police team reached Mumbai on February 13 to assist in the investigation, which includes a case filed against Allahbadia and others by the Guwahati Police. The Mumbai Police have already recorded statements from seven individuals, including social media influencer Apoorva Makhija.

Legal Summons:

The controversy has also reached the Parliament. Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske raised the issue, advocating for new laws to regulate social media content. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has summoned Allahbadia, Raina, Makhija, Jaspreet Singh, Ashish Chanchlani, and the show's producers, Tushar Poojari and Saurabh Bothra, for questioning on February 17 in New Delhi.