New Delhi, February 21: The Supreme Court issued notices to the governments of Maharashtra and Assam upon a petition filed by prominent YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani. The petition seeks the quashing or transfer of an FIR registered against him in Guwahati, Assam, for allegedly promoting obscenity on the YouTube show “India’s Got Latent.”
Case Outline
Ashish Chanchlani is one of several prominent individuals named in an FIR filed in Assam. The primary accused is podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, who already faces multiple FIRs for deeply troubling remarks made during an episode of “India’s Got Latent.” The show, hosted by comedian Samay Raina, came under fire for content some viewers and authorities deemed vulgar and offensive.
First-day Proceedings Before the High Court
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh reviewed Chanchlani’s petition on Friday. The apex court requested both the Maharashtra and Assam state governments for replies to the plea. Chanchlani’s counsel contended that he registered FIRs running back to back of the same incident and termed that as undue harassment and legal challenges to him.
The bench expressed its concern and ordered that Chanchlani’s petition be consolidated with a similar case dealing with Ranveer Allahbadia. This consolidation is aimed at expediting the processes and resolving overlapping issues posed in both petitions.
FIR Details
The contentious FIR in Assam was registered on February 10, 2025, at the Cyber Police Station, Police Commissionerate, Guwahati Crime Branch. The complaint is based on various sections of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita, the Information Technology Act, the Cinematograph Act, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act. The principal allegations range from promoting obscene content to a sexual discussion on the show.
In addition to the Assam FIR, a similar complaint had already been filed in Mumbai earlier. The petition by Chanchlani mentioned that the Mumbai FIR was prior to the one in Guwahati, hence the request for consolidation or his transfer to Mumbai, as it would negate multiple legal proceedings and avoid jurisdictional disputes.
Interim Relief and Bail
On February 18, 2025, the Supreme Court granted interim protection from arrest to Ranveer Allahbadia. During this hearing, the court commented that Allahbadia’s remarks on the show were “vulgar” and projected a “dirty mind.” The bench pointed out that such comments had an impression on the society and that communication should ideally be responsible and respectful.
The other side mentions that the Gauhati High Court granted interim protection to Ashish Chanchlani on February 19. The court directed him to appear before the investigating officer in ten days. Chanchlani’s legal team mentioned that he has not made any derogatory statements given during the show but contends that it is directed mostly against his co-conspirators.
NCW Intervention
The National Commission for Women has also taken cognizance and summoned all the responsible, including Ranveer Allahbadia, Samay Raina, Apoorva Mukhija, Jaspreet Singh, and Ashish Chanchlani. These hearings were initially set for February 17, but have since been postponed for other reasons explained by the respondents: security and previous commitments.
On a related note, Ranveer Allahbadia sought a three-week postponement because he allegedly received death threats. This led to the NCW rescheduling his hearing to March 6. Apoorva Mukhija has also expressed security issues and has been allowed to attend the hearing virtually on the same date. However, Samay Raina and Jaspreet Singh are supposed to appear on March 11.
Ashish Chanchlani was ill and could not appear, but his lawyer did in his stead, and his hearing has been scheduled for March 6.
