In a significant relief to popular YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, known as BeerBiceps, the Supreme Court on Monday ordered the return of his passport, paving the way for his international travel linked to his podcast ventures.
Allahbadia had previously surrendered his passport during the course of a criminal investigation triggered by controversial remarks made during an episode of India’s Got Latent. Multiple criminal cases had been filed across the country against him and others involved. The Supreme Court had earlier granted him interim protection from arrest, subject to certain restrictions, including a bar on foreign travel without prior permission.
A Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice NK Singh today ruled that Allahbadia’s passport be released, considering the police investigation had concluded.
“We permit the petitioner to apply to the Maharashtra Cyber Crime Bureau for the release of his passport. Upon such an application, the passport shall be returned under reasonable terms and conditions,” the Bench directed, explicitly allowing him to travel abroad.
The Court further noted that Allahbadia must cooperate with any further police inquiries, should his presence be required.
During previous hearings, Allahbadia’s counsel, Advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, argued that the travel ban was adversely affecting Allahbadia’s livelihood, which involves international interviews and collaborations. Today, Chandrachud also sought the Court’s intervention to consolidate the multiple FIRs lodged against Allahbadia, pointing out that despite minor variations, they stemmed from the same episode.
The Court, initially hesitant, indicated willingness to hear arguments on clubbing the cases at a later date.
The contentious episode of India’s Got Latent was filmed on November 14, 2024, at Khar Habitat and aired subsequently, leading to a public uproar. Apart from Allahbadia, YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani has also sought similar relief from the Supreme Court, contesting the FIR filed against him in Assam and requesting its transfer to Mumbai.
Earlier, the top court had strongly criticized the remarks made during the show, labeling them “perverted” and “offensive,” and questioned whether obscenity could be justified under the guise of artistic freedom. Nevertheless, it allowed Allahbadia to resume his podcast activities with a clear caveat to maintain decency in content.
The Court has also hinted at possibly broadening the case to explore the need for regulatory mechanisms to curb the broadcasting of obscene material on digital platforms.
