BACK ON AIR!! Supreme Court Permits Ranveer Allahbadia to Resume Podcast with Conditions

The Supreme Court on Monday permitted podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, known as BeerBiceps, to resume airing "The Ranveer Show," provided it adheres to standards of "morality and decency" and is suitable for all ages. The decision came from a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh, who considered Allahbadia’s plea that the podcast is his sole livelihood, supporting around 280 employees.

The court extended interim protection from arrest for Allahbadia until further notice but mandated his cooperation in an ongoing investigation in Guwahati. The ruling follows controversy over his remarks on Samay Raina’s YouTube show "India’s Got Latent," which sparked multiple FIRs for being allegedly vulgar and offensive. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre and states including Maharashtra, Assam, and Odisha, opposed easing restrictions, labeling the comments "perverse" and suggesting Allahbadia remain off-air temporarily.

Justice Kant emphasized that fundamental rights come with limits, warning Allahbadia’s counsel, Abhinav Chandrachud, against taking the court lightly. The bench restrained Allahbadia from discussing the case on his show and noted another accused had fled to Canada and commented publicly. "These youngsters may think we’re outdated, but we know how to handle them," Justice Kant remarked.

The court denied Allahbadia’s request to travel abroad, stating it would reconsider once he joins the investigation. Meanwhile, the Centre was directed to draft a regulatory framework for social media content, to be shared publicly for stakeholder input.

The case stems from Allahbadia’s February 18 interim relief, when the Supreme Court condemned his "vulgar" remarks as shameful to society. Monday’s ruling balances his professional needs with judicial oversight, reflecting ongoing tensions over online content regulation in India.