Ranveer Allahbadia approached the Supreme Court last week, seeking relief in the India’s Got Latent controversy. The court initially refused an urgent hearing but took up the plea on February 18. Represented by senior advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, son of former Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, the YouTuber and podcaster faced legal scrutiny over multiple FIRs filed across the country regarding his remarks on the show.
The Supreme Court granted him interim protection from arrest, preventing further FIRs from being registered based on the controversial episode. However, this protection came with conditions. Allahbadia must fully cooperate with the investigation. The court also directed him to surrender his passport to the police and restricted him from leaving India without prior permission.
An interim stay was placed on FIRs filed in Maharashtra, Assam, and Jaipur, provided that he joined the investigation. Additionally, the court instructed him and his associates to distance themselves from show business for a while.
Given the threats he has been facing, the court allowed him to seek protection from local police in Maharashtra and Assam if required. While this decision offered him legal relief, the Supreme Court did not hold back its criticism of his actions. Expressing strong disapproval, the bench remarked, “The words you have used would bring shame to parents, sisters, and the entire society. A perverted mindset like this shows the depths of depravity you and your associates have reached.” The court made it clear that India’s judicial system functions under the rule of law and would handle any threats accordingly.
His lawyer, Abhinav Chandrachud, distanced himself from his client’s statement, telling the court that he found the remarks deeply offensive. He admitted, “As an officer of the court, I personally find his words disgusting.” However, he also questioned whether the statement legally constituted a crime, arguing that this aspect needed careful examination.
The court maintained a firm stance against such conduct, emphasizing that fame does not grant the right to disrespect society. The bench stated, “Such behavior is unacceptable. Popularity does not give you the license to take society for granted.”
During the hearing, Chandrachud revealed that Allahbadia’s family had been facing intimidation. He informed the court that individuals had entered his mother’s clinic under false pretenses and harassed her. Another co-accused in the case had reportedly received acid attack threats. The situation escalated further when former WWE wrestler Saurav Gurjar, also known as Sanga, allegedly issued a violent threat against Allahbadia.
Chandrachud also argued that filing multiple FIRs over the same issue was an abuse of the legal system. Referring to similar cases in the past, he stated, “A second FIR on the same matter misuses the legal process.”
As the legal battle continues, Allahbadia remains under scrutiny, with the court making it clear that his words carried serious consequences. The ruling may have granted him temporary protection, but the strong rebuke from the judiciary served as a reminder that public figures must be mindful of their influence.