Allahbadia clarified that his statements on the show were “unscripted and spontaneous” and were just a mistake in the moment, not something he planned to do on purpose
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear a petition on February 21, filed by social media influencer Ranveer Allahbadia, regarding the controversy surrounding the show ‘India’s Got Latent.’ The petition seeks legal relief against multiple FIRs registered against him.
According to the Supreme Court’s computer-generated listing, the plea requests judicial intervention to consolidate all the FIRs filed against Allahbadia. The influencer, known for his YouTube channel ‘BeerBiceps,’ has made the Central Government, the Maharashtra Government, and the Assam Government respondents in his petition.
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Advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, representing Allahbadia, argued before the court that all the FIRs should be clubbed together. He also expressed concern over the possibility of his client’s arrest, particularly by the Assam Police.
In his petition, Allahbadia revealed that people have put a price on his life, with clear threats saying
“his tongue to be severed.”
This has created an environment of fear and insecurity around him. However, when he requested an urgent hearing, the Supreme Court refused.
However, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna declined to comment on the matter and stated that “the court is not permitting oral mentions for urgent listings.“
The controversy started after Ranveer Allahbadia allegedly made inappropriate remarks while appearing on comedian Samay Raina’s show ‘India’s Got Latent.’ Following public outrage, police complaints were lodged against multiple influencers, including Allahbadia, Raina, content creator Ashish Chanchlani, and Apoorva Mukhija.
Allahbadia clarified that his statements on the show were “unscripted and spontaneous” and were just a mistake in the moment, not something he planned to do on purpose. He urged that his comments should not be used to judge his character or intentions. He strongly maintained that he never wanted to hurt or offend anyone.
The FIRs were registered by both the Assam Police and the Maharashtra Cyber Police. Chandrachud told the Supreme Court that his client feared imminent arrest after the Assam Police started legal action.
Despite being summoned twice by the Mumbai Police, Allahbadia failed to appear for questioning on Friday. He was supposed to present himself at Khar Police Station but did not turn up. A police officer stated that Allahbadia’s legal team had earlier assured his cooperation, but after his absence, the police visited his residence in Versova, only to find it locked. A notice was pasted outside his home, instructing him to appear before the authorities as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Cyber Police have issued summons to nearly 59 individuals, including judges, participants, and others associated with ‘India’s Got Latent.’ The authorities claim that “foul language” was used during the show, leading to multiple investigations. So far, only reality show host Raghu Ram has responded to the summons.
In response to the backlash, Ranveer Allahbadia posted a public apology video on social media. Additionally, comedian Samay Raina announced that all episodes of ‘India’s Got Latent’ have been taken down from YouTube. His legal team assured that he is “fully cooperating with authorities.”
Raina, who is currently in the US, has confirmed that he will return to India by February 17 to assist in the investigation.
