Completion of 'India Got Latent' Probe Expected by April's End, Assam Informs Supreme Court
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Synopsis
The investigation into the FIR against YouTubers for their comments on 'India's Got Latent' is expected to conclude by the end of April, as reported by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to the Supreme Court.
Key Takeaways
- Investigation completion expected by April's end.
- Legal implications for YouTubers involved in controversy.
- Supreme Court's guidance on the case proceedings.
- Allahbadia's travel impacted by ongoing investigation.
- Previous restrictions on his podcast lifted under conditions.
New Delhi, April 21 (NationPress) The inquiry regarding the FIR filed in Assam against well-known YouTubers Samay Raina, Ranveer Allahbadia, Ashish Chanchlani, Apoorva Mukhija, and others, concerning their allegedly vulgar and offensive remarks about parents during the comedy show 'India's Got Latent', is anticipated to conclude by the end of April, as stated by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to the Supreme Court on Monday.
"In Assam, a co-accused is scheduled to appear tomorrow (Tuesday) to provide her statement. The investigation should wrap up by the end of this month," SG Mehta informed a panel of Justices Surya Kant and N.K. Singh.
Advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, representing Allahbadia, noted that during the previous session, the request for passport release was not pursued due to the law officer's declaration that the investigation would conclude within two weeks.
"This is crucial for his livelihood. He (Allahbadia) needs to travel internationally periodically," the attorney remarked, adding that according to media reports, the investigation concerning the FIR lodged in Maharashtra has concluded, with a charge sheet expected to be filed against the accused.
"Regarding the petitioner, the Maharashtra Police summoned him three times, and Assam summoned him once. He has complied with every request," the attorney continued.
After considering the arguments, the Justice Surya Kant-led bench indicated it would revisit the matter for hearing in a week.
"In the meantime, ensure the investigation in Assam is completed. Regarding the petitioner, please finalize whatever is needed so that the passport release issue can be resolved. Also, inform us about other co-accused who are not appearing," the Supreme Court directed SG Mehta, who represented the states of Maharashtra and Assam.
The bench scheduled the case for hearing on April 28 and instructed the law officer to gather information on whether Allahbadia's presence is necessary for further inquiries.
Allahbadia and other YouTubers, including Chanchlani and Mukhija, are involved in the controversy due to crude and inappropriate comments made during an episode of Raina's 'India's Got Latent' show.
Previously, the Supreme Court allowed Allahbadia to resume his podcast under the condition that he would uphold the “standards of decency and morality”. The court favored alleviating a prior restriction that barred Allahbadia or his associates from airing any content on YouTube or other platforms until further notice. The apex court clarified that Allahbadia’s programs should refrain from discussing ongoing legal proceedings.
Earlier, on February 18, the Supreme Court had stayed Allahbadia’s arrest, contingent upon his cooperation with the investigation when called upon by the Investigating Officers.
"The temporary protection from arrest is granted, provided the petitioner fully cooperates with the ongoing investigation," it had decreed.
The Supreme Court also emphasized that no additional FIRs would be filed against Allahbadia based on the episode of 'India's Got Latent', which has already led to the registration of two to three FIRs. Numerous complaints have been lodged seeking legal action against Allahbadia and others for their allegedly obscene and offensive remarks about parents during the comedy show.
