The Supreme Court has separated YouTuber Elvish Yadav’s pleas in the high-profile snake venom case, setting the stage for a fresh hearing. The parallel plea by the complainant sought police protection
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday continued hearing in the high-profile snake venom case involving popular YouTuber Elvish Yadav, who has sought to quash criminal proceedings initiated against him in Uttar Pradesh. The case also includes a parallel plea by the complainant, who has sought police protection, citing threats allegedly received after filing the complaint.
During the proceedings, counsel for the parties clarified that different petitions were being heard under the same matter number. The counsel submitted,
“Your lordships, I am seeking a short accommodation of a week.”
Another counsel noted,
“Your lordships, he is appearing for 28 and 28.1. We are on a separate issue in 28.2. Please keep it separately.”
The Supreme Court accordingly disposed of petitions 28 and 28.1, while directing that petition 28.2, titled Elvish Yadav @ Siddharth v. State of U.P. and Anr, be listed separately for hearing.
ALSO READ: DMK vs ECI | SIR Exercise of Power is Arbitrary: DMK Moves Supreme Court Over Electoral Roll in Tamil Nadu
Previous Hearing
In an earlier hearing, the apex court had jointly heard both Elvish Yadav’s plea to quash the FIR and the complainant’s plea for police protection. The complainant’s counsel had alleged that threats were received following the registration of the case.
Counsel had then sought de-tagging of the two pleas (marked 68, 68.1 vs 68.2), arguing they involved distinct issues. However, the Supreme Court refused to separate the matters, noting that they were linked. The court had also directed that replies to the State’s counter-affidavit be filed before the next date of hearing.
ALSO READ: Fired Employees Must Return Company Property, No Excuses Allowed: Delhi High Court
Background
The controversy around Elvish Yadav began in November 2023, when the Noida Police registered an FIR under provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The case was based on a complaint by activist Saurabh Gupta, who alleged that snake venom was being supplied and consumed at a party linked to Yadav.
Shortly after the FIR, Yadav was arrested but later released on bail. The case gathered major public attention, not only because of the allegations involving snake venom—considered both illegal under wildlife laws and dangerous to health—but also due to Yadav’s fame as a social media influencer with millions of followers.
The complainant has since claimed that filing the complaint has put his safety at risk, as he allegedly received threats. On the other hand, Yadav has consistently denied all allegations, claiming he has been falsely implicated and that there is no evidence linking him to the alleged incident. The YouTuber’s legal team has sought the quashing of the FIR, arguing procedural irregularities and a lack of material evidence
Case Title:
Case: Saurabh Gupta & Anr. v. State of U.P. & Ors.
SLP(Crl) No. 8733/2025
READ LIVE COVERAGE
Click Here to Read Previous Reports on Elvish Yadav
