Supreme Court refuses to release YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia’s passport amid ongoing investigation

Ranveer Allahbadia India's Got Latent controversy

The Supreme Court has denied the request to release the passport of YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, who is under investigation for his controversial comments on the stand-up comedy show India's Got Latent.

Ranveer Allahbadia, who faced backlash for remarks related to "sex and parents," had appealed for the release of his passport, but the court made it clear that the issue would only be revisited after the completion of the ongoing investigation, which Solicitor General Tushar Mehta confirmed would conclude in two weeks.

While the court refused to return his passport, it extended its previous order granting Allahbadia interim protection from arrest in relation to police cases filed against him in Mumbai, Guwahati, and Jaipur.

This protection had been granted last month after he had been directed to submit his passport, which prevented him from traveling abroad for his professional commitments, such as international shows.

The Supreme Court also expressed its dissatisfaction with Allahbadia’s behavior, issuing a sharp critique of his actions. "There is something dirty in his mind that is spread by this programme," the court stated, referring to the controversial remarks made during the India's Got Latent show.

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In response, Allahbadia offered an undertaking, assuring the court that he would maintain "decency" in his future shows. He argued that not having his passport affected his ability to earn a living and pursue his career internationally. Solicitor General Mehta acknowledged Allahbadia’s cooperation with the investigation, highlighting that he had already appeared before authorities in Guwahati and the National Commission for Women when summoned. Additionally, he recognized Allahbadia’s commitment to keeping his shows respectful moving forward.

This case continues to raise questions about freedom of expression and the limits of decency in media, as Allahbadia navigates the legal repercussions of his remarks while balancing his career.