Popular YouTubers Ranveer Allahbadia and Ashish Chanchlani appeared before the Maharashtra Cyber Police on Monday to record their statements in connection with an ongoing investigation into an FIR lodged over controversial remarks made in an episode of India’s Got Latent. The episode, which has since been deleted, sparked outrage over a joke made by Allahbadia that was deemed offensive and inappropriate. Chanchalani, who was present as a panelist on the show alongside comedians Samay Raina, Jaspreet Singh, and Apoorva Mukhija, was also named in the complaint, as there were allegations that he had laughed along with the joke, implicitly endorsing it.
Allahbadia, who was at the Maharashtra Cyber Cell office in Mahape for nearly four hours, left after completing his statement, while Chanchalani was still recording his statement when reports emerged. The two YouTubers had voluntarily contacted cyber police officials after multiple complaints were filed against them in different states, including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Assam. Following this, the Maharashtra Cyber Police issued formal summons for both of them to appear on Monday, as reported by ANI.
The controversy erupted after Allahbadia made a joke on India’s Got Latent that many viewers found highly inappropriate, particularly in its reference to parents. The backlash was swift and intense, with social media users, legal experts, and various organizations condemning the remarks and demanding legal action. As a result, multiple FIRs were registered against Allahbadia in different states, including Guwahati, Mumbai, and Jaipur, each citing violations under cybercrime and defamation laws. Chanchalani, despite not making the remark himself, was also named in the complaint, leading to legal complications. Seeking to avoid multiple investigations in different states, Chanchalani approached the Supreme Court, requesting that his FIR be transferred to Mumbai, arguing that it was unfair for him to face proceedings in Assam for a matter that originated online. The Supreme Court later clubbed his plea with Allahbadia’s case and issued notices to both Maharashtra and Assam for further legal consideration.
Last week, Allahbadia's lawyer informed the Maharashtra Cyber Police that his client was unable to appear for questioning earlier due to serious death threats. This led to him skipping two prior summonses, further escalating tensions around the case. However, the Supreme Court took a firm stance, criticizing Allahbadia for his remarks and directing him to fully cooperate with the investigation. The court did not mince words, calling his joke "condemnable and dirty" and questioning whether he believed he had a "license to speak in such a manner" without accountability.
Despite the strong rebuke, the Supreme Court did provide some relief to Allahbadia by ruling that no additional FIRs would be filed against him based on the same set of allegations. This decision came as a major relief for the YouTuber, as it prevented the possibility of facing legal proceedings in multiple jurisdictions simultaneously. However, the court imposed strict travel restrictions, barring him from leaving India without prior permission from the authorities. Furthermore, recognizing the seriousness of the threats against him, the court advised Allahbadia to seek protection from the police in Maharashtra or Assam should he continue to face security concerns.
The controversy surrounding India’s Got Latent has once again ignited discussions about the responsibilities of content creators in the digital space. With the exponential growth of online entertainment and podcasting, influencers and YouTubers command massive audiences, making their words and actions subject to intense scrutiny. While freedom of speech remains a fundamental right, this case highlights the potential consequences of making insensitive or offensive remarks in the public domain. Legal experts have pointed out that while humor and satire have always been an integral part of content creation, there is a fine line between free speech and speech that crosses ethical and legal boundaries.
Beyond the legal implications, the incident has also sparked a broader debate about the accountability of digital platforms that host such content. Many have called for stricter content moderation policies on platforms like YouTube, urging them to take proactive measures in preventing controversial or offensive content from being published in the first place. Others argue that the responsibility ultimately lies with the creators themselves, who must exercise greater caution when discussing sensitive topics.
As the investigation progresses, Allahbadia and Chanchalani’s legal battles could set an important precedent for how digital content is regulated and monitored in India. The case will likely influence future discussions on the balance between creative expression and social responsibility, especially as the digital entertainment landscape continues to evolve. Meanwhile, fans and followers of both YouTubers remain divided—some supporting them and calling the controversy an overreaction, while others believe this serves as a necessary reminder that public figures must be held accountable for their words. With legal proceedings still underway, all eyes are on the next steps in this unfolding controversy.
