‘Using filthy language is not talent’: What Supreme Court said lifting ban on Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast

The Supreme Court’s decision comes with a caveat: Ranveer Allahbadia must ensure that his podcast adheres to moral and decency standards, making it suitable for audiences of all ages.

By: Express Web Desk
New Delhi | Updated: March 3, 2025 10:11 PM IST

3 min read

A Bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and NK Singh issued the ruling, saying creativity does not necessitate vulgarity. (Source: Instagram)

The Supreme Court of India on Monday allowed popular YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia to resume airing his podcast, The Ranveer Show, after months of legal scrutiny over his alleged ‘obscene’ remarks on Samay Raina’s show on YouTube, India’s Got Latent. However, the top court’s decision comes with a caveat: Allahbadia must ensure that his podcast adheres to moral and decency standards, making it suitable for audiences of all ages.

A Bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and NK Singh issued the ruling, saying creativity does not necessitate vulgarity.

Here are 10 key observations of the Supreme Court:

📌 Conditions: The Supreme Court permitted Allahbadia to resume his podcast, provided he furnishes an undertaking ensuring that his content maintains public morality and decency.

📌Livelihood at Stake: The Bench acknowledged that the suspension of ‘The Ranveer Show’ had jeopardised the livelihood of Allahbadia’s 280 employees, a key factor in its decision.

📌Legal protection extended: The Court extended the interim protection granted to Allahbadia against arrest in multiple FIRs filed in Maharashtra and Assam.

📌 Regulatory framework: The Supreme Court hinted at expanding the case’s scope to examine the need for content regulations in digital media without infringing on free speech rights.

📌Solicitor General’s input sought: The Bench directed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to suggest measures that ensure free speech remains within the bounds of Article 19(4) of the Constitution.

Story continues below this ad

📌 Public consultation on regulations: Any proposed regulatory framework, the Court stated, should be put in the public domain for feedback before legislative or judicial action is taken.

📌 Condemnation of vulgarity: Justice Surya Kant remarked, “Using filthy language is not talent,” drawing a clear line between humor and obscenity.

📌 India versus the West: SG Mehta said India’s moral fabric differs from Western nations, pointing out that acts such as flag burning, permissible under the US First Amendment, remain a criminal offense in India.

Also Read | SC on Ranveer Allahbadia: When protector turns prosecutor, citizens should be afraid

📌 Responsible creativity: The Court cited examples of comedians who critique the government while maintaining decency, underscoring that entertainment need not be crass.

Story continues below this ad

📌 No blanket censorship: While the Court acknowledged the need for regulation, it made clear that any measures should not amount to censorship but rather ensure responsible content creation.

From the homepage