Did the Supreme Court Just Order Ranveer Allahbadia's Passport Back?

Synopsis
The Supreme Court's decision to return Ranveer Allahbadia's passport marks a pivotal moment in his ongoing legal battles. With several FIRs against him, Allahbadia's need for international travel raises questions about freedom of speech and the consequences of public commentary on sensitive topics.
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court orders the return of Ranveer Allahbadia's passport.
- Allahbadia faced multiple FIRs for offensive remarks.
- Legal proceedings highlight freedom of speech issues.
- Conditions imposed for future police investigations.
- Podcast activities resumed under specific guidelines.
New Delhi, April 28 (NationPress) In a significant development for popular YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, the Supreme Court has ordered the return of his passport.
Allahbadia, who came under fire for making offensive and inappropriate comments about parents during the comedy show "India's Got Latent", has faced numerous FIRs and legal challenges across the nation.
The Supreme Court, in an interim order issued on February 18, had conditionally stayed his arrest, mandating him to surrender his passport to the Thane Nodal Cyber Police in Mumbai and to refrain from leaving the country without the court's prior approval.
Allahbadia requested the court to return his passport, emphasizing the need for international travel for his work, asserting that the police investigation against him is concluded.
The bench, comprised of Justices Surya Kant and N.K. Singh, granted his request, instructing the Nodal Cyber Police to return his passport to facilitate his travel abroad.
However, the court stipulated that Allahbadia must be available for questioning by the Investigation Officer if required for ongoing investigations. The court also agreed to reconsider Allahbadia's request to consolidate the multiple FIRs filed against him at the next hearing.
During the previous session, Allahbadia's attorney, Abhinav Chandrachud, argued for the passport's release, referencing media reports that indicated the investigation related to the FIR in Maharashtra had concluded.
"This situation affects his livelihood. He (Allahbadia) needs to travel abroad periodically. The Maharashtra Police had summoned him on three occasions, and Assam Police had called him once. He complied with every request," stated his counsel.
Following Solicitor General Tushar Mehta's assertion that the Assam Police is expected to finish their investigation by the end of April, with a co-accused summoned for a statement on April 22, the Supreme Court adjourned the case, rescheduling it for April 28.
Previously, the Supreme Court had allowed Allahbadia to resume his podcast, provided he adheres to standards of decency and morality. It relaxed the earlier condition that prohibited him or his associates from broadcasting any shows on YouTube or other media until further notice, clarifying that his content should not discuss ongoing legal proceedings.