MUMBAI: After ruling that no more police cases could be brought against YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia for remarks he made about parents and sex on an episode of the
standup show "India's Got Latent," the Supreme Court granted him some respite
The court further stated that Mr. Allahbadia could seek "protection of life and liberty, in case of threats" from the Maharashtra and/or Assam police if he alleged that he and his family were under threat.Additionally, police in Maharashtra and Assam assured him that he would not be taken into custody unless he cooperated with the investigation or a third complaint was lodged in Jaipur.
However, Mr. Allahbadia was told not to attempt to leave the country without the court's approval and instructed to leave his passport with the Thane police in Maharashtra. Additionally, he was informed that he and his colleagues would not be allowed to take part in any more stand-up comedy or "roast" performances until further notice.
The court also asked for the center's opinion on social media rules regarding obscene content.
In order to hear Ranveer Allahbadia's request for anticipatory bail against a potential arrest by Guwahati Police, who dispatched a team to his Mumbai flat last week to question him, a panel of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh met Tuesday morning.
When the hearing started, the court was focussing on Mr. Allahbadia's attorney, Abhinav Chandrachud, who was the son of the former Chief Justice, DY Chandrachud, because of his stance on the remarks.
Mr Chandrachud declared himself "personally disgusted" by what Ranveer said, "I cannot defend on moral grounds," he said, but also pointed out "... whether it (the comment in question) rises to the level of criminal offense is another question".
The court, though, appeared initially disinclined to agree with Mr Chandrachud; Justice Kant was particularly irate, declaring, "If this is not obscenity in this country, then what is!?"
Eventually, though, the court also acknowledged the issue of death threats, saying, "We have a judicial system... we are bound by the rule of law. If there are threats, the law will take its course. We are not supporting this (the threats). I am sure the State will provide necessary protection..."
Finally, the court approved Mr. Allahbadia's arguments, preventing additional police cases against him and providing him with interim protection from arrest.
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CREDITS: NDTV
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