During the hearing on Tuesday, the Supreme Court declined their requests for passport release. This means they cannot travel abroad while the investigation is ongoing.
NEW DELHI: Today, 1st April, The Supreme Court of India has refused to return the passports of popular YouTubers Ranveer Allahbadia and Ashish Chanchlani. Both are being investigated over remarks made on the stand-up comedy show ‘India’s Got Latent’, particularly regarding sex and parents, which sparked controversy.
A Bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N.K. Singh declined to grant Allahbadia’s request to lift the previously imposed travel restrictions.
Furthermore, Podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia on Tuesday filed an undertaking in the Supreme Court saying he would maintain decency in his shows.
During the hearing on Tuesday, the Supreme Court declined their requests for passport release. This means they cannot travel abroad while the investigation is ongoing.
Ranveer Allahbadia, a well-known podcaster, and Ashish Chanchlani, a famous comedian and content creator, are facing legal trouble over their statements on the show. Their comments led to public backlash and legal action, with authorities now looking into the matter.
Since their passports are withheld, both YouTubers may face restrictions on attending international events, collaborations, and travel-related work commitments.
During today’s hearing, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, representing the Maharashtra government, told the Court that the investigation in the ongoing FIRs was expected to be completed within two weeks.
The Supreme Court stated:
“The petitioner has given an undertaking that his show, which was permitted, will maintain decency and will not mention any issues which are sub judice (pending) in different forums. On query, learned Solicitor General that investigation in the ongoing FIRs is likely to be completed within two weeks. Since the petitioner might be required to join the ongoing investigations, his prayer for release of passport and to allow him to travel abroad will be considered after the investigations are complete.”
Allahbadia’s counsel, Advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, argued that the travel restrictions were affecting his client’s livelihood.
He told the Court:
“His livelihood is interviewing personalities for which he has to travel continuously.”
However, the Bench was not convinced to allow travel at this stage, stating:
“If we allow you to travel, investigation may also (get) deferred.”
Solicitor General Mehta added:
“Investigation will take two weeks to complete.”
The Court then concluded:
“You come after two weeks.”
Earlier, on March 3, the apex court granted Allahbadia interim protection, preventing any coercive action against him. However, the court issued a stern caution: “The show must meet the standards of decency & morality and be suitable for viewers of all ages.”
Despite extending protection, the court made it clear that the content should be appropriate.
Considering Allahbadia’s argument that his podcast is his main source of income and supports nearly 280 employees, the Supreme Court allowed him to continue his show. However, his request to travel abroad was denied. The court ruled that he could only seek permission to travel after fully cooperating with the police investigation.
On February 18, the Supreme Court had previously ruled that no coercive action should be taken against Allahbadia for his alleged obscene remarks. However, the court criticized him harshly for his statements.
His controversial comments on parents and sex, made during India’s Got Latent, led to multiple FIRs being lodged against him.
During the hearing, Allahbadia’s lawyer, Dr. Abhinav Chandrachud, argued that multiple FIRs from different states should be combined into one case. He highlighted that Allahbadia had received death threats from Maharashtra, Assam, and Jaipur. He added that the case falls under Section 153-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deals with promoting hatred.
Justice Surya Kant strongly condemned Allahbadia’s remarks, questioning the limits of obscenity and vulgarity:
“If this is not obscenity in this country, then what is!? See the language you are using! You have got a license to speak all kinds of (language)? This type of condemnable behaviour… it’s not a question of an individual’s morality. He is insulting parents also! There is something dirty in this person’s mind that has been spread through this program.”
Criticizing Allahbadia’s conduct, the judge further said:
“Somebody thinks that because I have become so and so popular, I can speak any kind of words and take entire society for granted… You tell us anyone in the world who would like such words!”
The Supreme Court did not hold back in reprimanding the YouTuber.
The bench asked:
“You can seek cheap publicity by using abusive language?”
Highlighting the impact of his words, the court observed:
“The words you have chosen – parents will be ashamed, sisters will be ashamed. The entire society will feel ashamed. The pervert mind. The perversion you and your henchmen have exhibited! We have a judicial system, bound by the rule of law. If there are threats, law will take its course.”
The court made it clear that it does not support such language: “This court is not supporting this kind of language.”
It also criticized him for embarrassing parents.
On February 14, Allahbadia approached the Supreme Court under Article 32 of the Indian Constitution. His plea sought a direction to club the FIRs filed against him in multiple states, including Maharashtra and Assam.
Fearing arrest, Allahbadia also requested anticipatory bail. The Guwahati Police had already issued summons against him, prompting him to seek legal protection
[Case Title: RANVEER GAUTAM ALLAHABADIA Versus UNION OF INDIA AND ORS. W.P.(Crl.) No. 83/2025 ]
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