There is a need to balance morality and freedom of expression, the Supreme Court said today, asking the Centre to keep this in mind before laying down guidelines for digital content in the aftermath of the massive row over YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia’s crass remarks.

The 31-year-old YouTuber, earlier restrained from shooting any show, has been allowed to resume his podcast, The Ranveer Show. The court, however, said he must provide an undertaking that his shows will maintain desired standards of morality so that viewers of any age group can watch them.

Ranveer Allahbadia, popularly known as The BeerBiceps Guy, sparked a huge uproar last month when he made a crass remark at roast show, India’s Got Latent. During an appearance on the show hosted by comic Samay Raina, Allahbadia asked a contestant, “Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day for the rest of your life or join in once and stop it forever?”

A viral video of the remark drew widespread criticism as social media users contended that vulgarity was being passed off as comedy on digital platforms. Multiple police complaints were filed against Ranveer Allahbadia, Samay Raina and others linked to the show.

Amid the row, Allahbadia apologised for his comments and said “comedy is not my forte” and that “it wasn’t cool”. The 31-year-old posted an apology message on X with the caption, “I shouldn’t have said what I said on India’s got latent. I’m sorry.” In the video message, he said, “My comment wasn’t just inappropriate, it was not even funny. Comedy is not my forte, I am just here to say sorry.”

Mr Allahbadia said he had been flooded with questions asking if he planned to use his platform in this way. “Obviously this is not how I wish to use it. I am not going to give any context or justification or reasoning behind whatever happened. I am just here for an apology. I personally had a lapse in judgement. It wasn’t cool on my part,” he said.