‘India’s Got Latent’ case: SC extends interim protection from arrest to YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia

In the Allahbadia matter, the court was informed that while Maharashtra has completed the probe in the First Information Report (FIR) filed over his alleged remarks is complete, the Assam Police summoned a co-accused to be present before it Tuesday.

Taking note, the bench said it will hear Allahbadia’s plea for the release of his passport after a week. “Let Solicitor General take instructions that investigation qua Allahbadia is complete, and that he is no longer required,” the bench said in its order.

In a related matter, the bench Monday expressed serious concerns over alleged insensitive remarks by comedian Samay Raina, making fun of the high cost of spinal muscular atrophy treatment.

When pointed out that there were instances of such remarks by others, too, Justice Kant told Senior Advocate Aparajitha Singh, who appeared for Cure SMA Foundation, “This is a very, very serious issue. We are really disturbed to see that. We would like [you] to place on record the instances also. If you have video clippings along with a transcript, bring them. Implead the concerned persons. Also suggest measures which, according to you…Then we will see.”

Following the Allahbadia controversy, the top court in February asked the Centre for its views, while conveying its intention to do something to regulate content on social media without encroaching on the fundamental right to free speech and expression.

The Foundation subsequently approached the court seeking to be impleaded in the matter while highlighting the need for adequate and explicit protections in the regulatory framework to protect people with disabilities from “disabling humour”, which it said is denigrating, demeans, and disparages such individuals.

It said the misuse of the freedom of speech impinges upon the fundamental rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, propels offensive stereotypes and misguided portrayals and detrimentally impacts the societal perceptions which foster insensitivity and inhumanity.