The FIR created widespread debate on social media, with opinions divided on whether the content in question warrants legal action. While some users believe in freedom of expression, others argue that influencers must adhere to ethical standards.
New Delhi, 17th February 2025: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has issued a new hearing date after multiple individuals failed to appear in response to a summons regarding derogatory and obscene remarks made on the YouTube program ‘India’s Got Latent’.
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The summoned individuals include:
- Ranveer Allahabadia
- Samay Raina
- Apoorva Mukhija
- Jaspreet Singh
- Ashish Chanchlani
- Tushar Poojari
- Saurabh Bothra
- Balraj Ghai
NCW acknowledged various reasons cited for non-appearance, including security concerns, international travel, and health issues.
Based on these, the Commission has rescheduled hearings as follows:
- Ranveer Allahabadia: Claimed death threats, requested more time. New date: 6th March 2025.
- Apoorva Mukhija: Expressed safety concerns, willing to attend virtually. New date: 6th March 2025.
- Samay Raina: Currently on a USA tour, will attend post-return. New date: 11th March 2025.
- Jaspreet Singh: On tour in Paris, will return by 10th March. New date: 11th March 2025.
- Ashish Chanchlani: Cited health issues, represented by an advocate. New date: 6th March 2025.
- Tushar Poojari & Saurabh Bothra: Did not respond to the summons; NCW issued a resummon. New date: 6th March 2025.
- Balraj Ghai: Currently abroad, will attend after return. New date: 11th March 2025.
The Commission has emphasized the importance of accountability and legal compliance, urging all individuals to appear as per the rescheduled hearings. NCW has also strongly condemned those who failed to respond.
The FIR created widespread debate on social media, with opinions divided on whether the content in question warrants legal action. While some users believe in freedom of expression, others argue that influencers must adhere to ethical standards.
The legal sections invoked include:
- Sections 79, 95, 294, and 296 of BNS 2023
- Section 67 of the IT Act, 2000 (which pertains to publishing or transmitting obscene content in electronic form)
- Sections 4/7 of the Cinematograph Act, 1952
- Section 4/6 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986
This case shows the increasing attention on online content and the duty of creators to follow legal and moral rules.
Earlier, a Supreme Court lawyer filed a complaint with Delhi’s Cyber Police against YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, stand-up comedian Samay Raina, and others for allegedly making “vulgar references to close family relationships” on a reality show.
The lawyer, Advocate Vineet Jindal, has also urged the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to ban the show ‘India’s Got Latent’, citing its “vulgar content” and impact on Indian culture.
In India, rules about obscenity in online content, TV shows, and websites come under Section 292 of the IPC, the IT Act, and the Indecent Representation of Women Act. If a show like India’s Got Latent is in trouble for obscene content, it may be because people complained or the authorities took action under these laws.
