NEW DELHI: In the ongoing ‘India’s Got Latent’ controversy, YouTubers Ranveer Allahbadia and Ashish Chanchlani appeared before the Maharashtra Cyber Cell on Monday to record their statements. This action follows a summons issued to Allahbadia on February 17, requiring his presence on February 24, after a controversial remark he made on comedian Samay Raina’s YouTube show sparked nationwide outrage.
The controversy centers around explicit comments made by Allahbadia during his appearance on ‘India’s Got Latent,’ a show hosted by Samay Raina.
The remarks led to widespread public condemnation, multiple police complaints, and discussions in the Supreme Court regarding social media regulations. In response, Allahbadia issued a public apology, and Raina removed the contentious content from his channel.
The Supreme Court, while criticizing Allahbadia’s conduct, has shielded him from arrest concerning the existing First Information Reports (FIRs) related to the incident.
The Supreme Court of India also weighed in on the matter, condemning Allahbadia’s behavior. Justice Surya Kant remarked that there is something “very dirty” in Allahbadia’s mind which has been “vomited” out. Despite the strong criticism, the Court granted Allahbadia interim protection from arrest, while ordering him to participate in the ongoing investigations.
The Maharashtra Cyber Cell has been actively investigating the matter, with a police officer confirming that statements from four individuals, including Allahbadia and Chanchlani, have been recorded thus far.
The investigation aims to determine the extent of involvement of all parties associated with the ‘India’s Got Latent’ show.
This incident has garnered a broader debate about the boundaries of free speech and content regulation in India’s digital media landscape. Digital creators express concerns over potential censorship and the implications of stricter content regulations on creative expression.
As the investigation progresses, the Maharashtra Cyber Cell is expected to continue its inquiry into the matter, potentially summoning other individuals associated with the show. The outcome of this case may set a precedent for how digital content is regulated and consumed in India, influencing future guidelines for content creators across the country.
