Supreme Court Advocates Regulation of Social Media Content Following Allahabadia Case
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Synopsis
The Supreme Court of India has criticized YouTube influencer Ranveer Allahabadia for his obscene content and has called for regulations to ensure decency on social media platforms. The court provided him temporary protection against arrest while raising concerns about the impact of his statements.
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court demands regulation of online content.
- Ranveer Allahabadia faces backlash for promoting obscenity.
- Temporary arrest protection granted to Allahabadia.
- Government urged to address the regulatory gap in social media.
- Nationwide outrage sparked by controversial remarks.
New Delhi, Feb 18 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has criticized YouTube influencer Ranveer Allahabadia for displaying "perversion" and has called for the regulation of content across YouTube channels and social media platforms to ensure decency.
The apex court granted Allahabadia temporary protection from arrest in multiple cases nationwide related to promoting obscenity.
While reviewing Allahabadia’s request to consolidate FIRs and seek anticipatory bail from potential arrest by the Guwahati police, a bench consisting of Justice Surya Kant and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh issued a notice to the Union government on addressing the existing "vacuum" in online content regulation.
“We would like to contribute to this matter. If the government will cooperate, we would appreciate it,” expressed the court, acknowledging the issue's importance and sensitivity.
The bench requested the assistance of Attorney General R. Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to discuss this pressing issue in the upcoming hearing.
Before granting Allahabadia temporary protective measures against arrest, the court criticized him: "There is something dirty in his mind that is spread by this programme," questioning why the court should entertain such individuals.
Allahabadia has sparked nationwide outrage with remarks about parents and sex during a live-streamed episode of "India’s Got Latent" on YouTube.
The court sharply criticized the YouTube star, stating that just because someone believes they are popular does not grant them the right to "speak anything and take society for granted".
"The words you have chosen... will bring shame to parents and sisters alike. The entire society will feel ashamed," it remarked.
The court instructed Allahabadia to submit his passport to the police in Maharashtra's Thane and cautioned him against attempting to leave the country without the court's approval.
Addressing his claims of receiving death threats, the court advised him and his family to seek protection from the Maharashtra and/or Assam Police for their "life and liberty".
On February 10, the Guwahati police filed an FIR against five YouTubers and content creators for "promoting obscenity and engaging in sexually explicit and vulgar discussions". Similar complaints have also been lodged by the Maharashtra Cyber Department and the Jaipur police.
