NHRC Official Priyank Kanoongo Asks YouTube to Remove Allahbadia's Offensive Comments
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Synopsis
On February 10, the NHRC ordered YouTube to eliminate Ranveer Allahbadia's offensive remarks from the show 'India's Got Latent' and submit a report within three days. The NHRC highlighted legal violations concerning the rights of women and children.
Key Takeaways
- NHRC directed YouTube to remove offensive content.
- Ranveer Allahbadia's remarks were deemed vulgar.
- Legal violations were cited under various acts.
- Public backlash led to an apology from Allahbadia.
- Complaints have been lodged against Allahbadia.
New Delhi, Feb 10 (NationPress) The NHRC has issued a directive to the social media platform YouTube to remove “obscene and vulgar” material stemming from statements made by podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia on the contentious program ‘India's Got Latent’ and to submit an Action Taken Report within a span of three days.
Member of the rights panel, Priyank Kanoongo, communicated with YouTube’s Head of Public Policy, Mira Chatt, indicating that the material in question appears to contravene several legal statutes under the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Information Technology (IT) Act, and other pertinent laws.
In response to a complaint received by the NHRC regarding the show, Kanoongo instructed Chatt, “You are hereby directed to take urgent action to remove the concerned episode/videos from YouTube.”
“Before such content is removed, you must also provide details of the channel and specific videos to the relevant police authorities where the FIR has been lodged, for further necessary measures,” he stated on Monday.
Sharing links to multiple episodes of the show alleged to contain inappropriate content, Kanoongo remarked, “The Commission has come across certain links indicating that a recent episode of the aforementioned show features YouTubers making vulgar and explicit statements concerning children and women. These statements are not only deeply objectionable but also amount to a serious violation of woman and child rights.”
Kanoongo further noted, “In light of the seriousness of the matter, the Commission has acknowledged the issue under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.”
A previous complaint lodged by Yogendra Singh Thakur claimed, “Under the guise of freedom of speech, the show disseminates obscene and vulgar content along with misleading messages, thereby fostering a corrupt mindset in society.”
Allahbadia's vulgar comments ignited a storm on social media, resulting in extensive backlash from both netizens and public figures. In the aftermath, Allahbadia rendered a public apology.
The offensive remark during the show also drew the attention of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who stated that anyone crossing the boundaries of decency would face suitable repercussions.
Two lawyers from Mumbai have initiated a police complaint against Allahbadia.
