Supreme Court On India’s Got Latent: We Will Not Leave This Vacuum
New Delhi, February 18 – The Supreme Court has expressed its intent to regulate obscene content on YouTube and other social media platforms. The Court urged the Union Government to take action, emphasizing that it would step in if necessary.
Court Seeks Government’s Stand
A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh conveyed its concerns while hearing a petition by YouTuber Ranveer Allahabadia. The petition challenges FIRs filed against him for alleged obscenity. While granting Allahabadia interim protection from arrest, the Court criticized the language used in his content.
The judges asked Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati to relay their concerns to Attorney General R Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. The Court stressed the need to address the “vacuum” in online content regulation.
Background
A controversy erupted after a short clip from the India’s Got Latent episode went viral and faced widespread criticism. Allahabadia later apologized publicly. The show’s creator, comedian Samay Raina, deleted all episodes from his channel.
Police filed FIRs in Guwahati, Mumbai, and Jaipur against Allahabadia and other YouTubers, including Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, and Apoorva Makhija, for promoting obscenity. Chanchlani has moved the Gauhati High Court for anticipatory bail.
Call for Strict Oversight
Justice Kant highlighted the growing misuse of digital platforms. “If the Government of India willingly acts, we will be happy. Otherwise, we will not leave this vacuum. The way YouTube channels are being misused is concerning,” he stated.
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Union Government, seeking its response. It has also directed the Attorney General and Solicitor General to be present at the next hearing.
Regulatory Debate Intensifies
The case has reignited discussions on digital content regulation in India. With the rise of independent content creators, concerns over offensive material have grown. The Court’s remarks signal a potential move towards stricter oversight of online platforms.
The matter is set for further hearing, where the government’s position on regulating digital content will be scrutinized.
