The Supreme Court order comes as a relief for Allahbadia, who earlier, through his advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, had argued that his livelihood was getting affected due to travel restrictions imposed on him
Supreme Court ordered the release of YouTuber and social media influencer Ranveer Allahbadia’s passport on Monday. The apex court’s bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar, directed the release of the YouTuber’s passport following the completion of investigations in the FIRs filed against him in Maharashtra and Assam, LiveLaw reported.
The order comes as a relief for Allahbadia, who earlier, through his advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, had argued that his livelihood was getting affected due to travel restrictions imposed on him.
“We permit the petitioner to apply to the Maharashtra Cyber Crime Bureau for release of his passport. On such an application..., let the passport be returned on such reasonable terms and conditions to be stated. The passport is ordered to be returned to enable him to travel abroad,” the apex court said.
The 31-year-old YouTuber’s remark on comedian Samay Raina’s show, ‘India’s Got Latent’, had sparked controversy. His comment triggered widespread public outrage both online and offline. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also criticised Allahbadia for his remark.
“Everyone has freedom of speech, but our freedom ends when we encroach upon the freedom of others. In our society, we have made some rules, if someone violates them, it is absolutely wrong, and action should be taken against them,” Fadnavis had earlier said.
Multiple FIRs were registered against him, and consequently, his passport was confiscated by Mumbai’s Cyber Crime Bureau.
As the matter reached the Supreme Court, the 31-year-old podcaster was condemned for his remarks as “vulgar” and the top court criticised his “dirty mind” for bringing disgrace to society. He was restricted from creating or posting content online on his popular channel ‘BeerBiceps’.
However, on March 3, the court allowed him to resume his work with a caveat that he has to adhere to the principles of “morality and decency” and the online content posted by him should be suitable for all age groups. Additionally, the court prohibited Allahbadia from discussing the case on his show.