The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia’s plea seeking the release of his passport, stating that his request would be considered only after the completion of the ongoing investigation. The court was hearing Allahbadia’s petition seeking modification of the condition that requires him to deposit his passport, which he argued was affecting his livelihood.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N.K. Singh refused to lift the travel restrictions imposed on Allahbadia. This came after Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, representing the Maharashtra government, informed the court that the investigation into the case would likely be completed in two weeks, news agency PTI reported.
“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 stated that the 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 the release of his passport and permission to travel abroad will be considered after the investigations are complete,” the SC observed, as quoted by Bar and Bench.
Allahbadia, better known as ‘BeerBiceps’, had approached the top court after facing multiple criminal cases across the country over controversial remarks made during an episode of the web show India’s Got Latent, where he was part of a judges’ panel.
His counsel, advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, argued that the restrictions on his travel were affecting his work as he needed to meet guests for his podcast. “His livelihood is interviewing personalities for which he has to travel continuously,” Chandrachud told the court. However, the SC bench was not inclined to entertain the plea at this stage.
“If we allow you to travel, the investigation may also get deferred,” the court remarked, as per Bar and Bench’s report.
Solicitor General Mehta assured that the investigation would be completed in two weeks, following which the court told Allahbadia’s counsel, “You come after two weeks.”
Supreme Court Slammed Ranveer Allahbadia’s Remarks, Allowed Him To Resume Podcast
The Supreme Court had earlier condemned the statements made by Allahbadia and others accused in the case, calling them “perverted and dirty-minded.” The Bench had also questioned whether unrestricted vulgarity could be defended as artistic expression and observed that the remarks in question were deeply offensive to society, parents, and women.
Following the controversy, the court had initially barred Allahbadia from doing any shows but later permitted him to resume his podcast, provided that he adhered to general standards of morality and decency.
During Tuesday’s hearing, the court was informed that Allahbadia had appeared before the National Commission for Women in connection with the case and had given a statement on 6 March. He had also joined the investigation in Guwahati, where one of the criminal cases against him is registered, and his statement was recorded there on 7 March.
Meanwhile, fellow YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani had also moved the Supreme Court seeking the quashing of an FIR filed against him in Assam, arguing that a similar FIR was first registered in Mumbai. He had alternatively requested for the case to be transferred to Mumbai. The Gauhati High Court had earlier granted him anticipatory bail.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing on the matter for 21 April.
