NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked Centre if it wants to do something about obscene content on YouTube.
“We would like you (government) to do something, if the government is willing to do something, we are happy. Otherwise, we are not going to leave this vacuum and barren area the way it is being misused by so-called YouTube channels and YouTubers,” the SC bench led by Justice Surya Kant said.
Justice Surya Kant also sought additional solicitor general Aishwarya Bhati’s assistance in the matter, saying that we should not overlook the importance and sensitivity of the issue.
The SC granted interim protection from arrest to YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahabadia regarding multiple FIRs filed across India over his controversial comments during his appearance on the show ‘India’s Got Latent’, provided he cooperates with the investigation.
The apex court ordered that no additional FIRs should be registered against Allahabadia, who received national disruptor award for content creation in March, 2024, based on the aired episode. He was directed to surrender his passport to police authorities and prohibited from leaving the country without court permission.
The court expressed concern over Allahabadia’s remarks on the show and questioned his lawyer about the parameters of obscenity and vulgarity. The social media influencer had filed a plea seeking consolidation of multiple FIRs registered against him following his controversial comments on the show.
