The Supreme Court on Tuesday took a strong stand against YouTube personality Ranveer Allahbadia, also known as the “BeerBiceps guy,” for his controversial remarks during the stand-up show India’s Got Latent. The bench, led by Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh, expressed deep concern over his comments.
Supreme Court on Allahbadia comments
In a heated session, the judges stated, “If this is not obscenity in this country, then what is!?” and added, “The words you have chosen… parents will be ashamed, and sisters will be ashamed. The entire society will feel ashamed. The perversion you and your henchmen have exhibited!” Their words made it clear that the comments were seen as unacceptable.
While acknowledging that Allahbadia had received death threats against his family and himself, the court said that if he feels unsafe, he could ask the police in Maharashtra or Assam for protection. The court assured him that neither Maharashtra nor Assam police would arrest him as long as he cooperates with the investigation.
However, the court also imposed several strict conditions:
- Passport Deposit: Allahbadia must deposit his passport with the Thane police and is not allowed to leave the country without the court’s permission.
- Performance Ban: He is barred from participating in any further stand-up comedy or roast shows until further notice.
Allahbadia’s lawyer, Abhinav Chandrachud, admitted his personal disgust over the remarks, saying, “I cannot defend on moral grounds,” while questioning whether the comment truly amounted to a criminal offense. Despite his concerns, the court made it clear that such language is not acceptable.
Ranveer apologized for his remark
Allahbadia had later apologized for his remark, saying, “My comment wasn’t just inappropriate… it was not even funny. Comedy is not my forte, I am just here to say sorry,” and he added, “My remark about parents was insensitive and disrespectful and I am genuinely sorry.”
This decision comes as Allahbadia faces multiple police cases and even a summons from the National Commission for Women. The court’s strong language and strict conditions serve as a reminder that freedom of expression must be balanced with respect for societal values.
