Ranveer Allahbadia row: SC issues notice to Maharashtra, Assam on YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani’s plea to transfer FIRs

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday requested responses from Maharashtra and Assam governments regarding YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani's petition to nullify or relocate an FIR filed in Guwahati concerning alleged obscenity promotion in an online programme.
Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh's bench issued notice and combined Chanchlani's petition with influencer Ranveer Allahbadia's case.
Initially, the bench informed Chanchlani's legal representative about his existing bail status.
The legal representative acknowledged the bail but contested the registration of multiple FIRs related to a single programme.
The bench acknowledged its consideration of the matter and consolidated Chanchlani's petition.
On February 18, the Supreme Court provided interim protection from arrest to podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia regarding his YouTube show comments, describing them as "vulgar" and stating he had "dirty mind" which disgraced society.
Multiple FIRs were registered against Allahbadia, known as BeerBiceps, for his remarks about parents and sex on Samay Raina's YouTube programme "India's Got Latent".
On Tuesday, the Gauhati High Court approved interim bail for Chanchlani during his anticipatory bail hearing, directing him to appear before the investigating officer within 10 days.
The Guwahati Police registered the FIR on February 10 following an individual's complaint under various sections of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhtia (BNS), Information Technology Act, Cinematograph Act and Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act.
India’s Got Latent row: Mumbai police issues third summons to Ranveer Allahbadia
Mumbai Police on Tuesday issued a third summons to YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia in connection with the India’s Got Latent remark controversy. He has been directed to appear at the police station to record his statement.
Allahbadia, facing backlash over his alleged ‘obscene’ remark on the show, has been asked by Maharashtra Police to appear on February 24 as part of the investigation.
Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has rescheduled hearings for Allahbadia and several other public figures, including Samay Raina, Apoorva Mukhija, and Ashish Chanchlani, after they skipped their scheduled appearance on February 17. Many cited safety concerns, travel commitments, or logistical issues as reasons for their absence.
Allahbadia, citing death threats, requested a three-week delay, leading the NCW to move his hearing to March 6, 2025. Mukhija, also citing security concerns, was granted a virtual appearance option, with her hearing scheduled for the same date.
Raina, currently in the US for a tour, has assured authorities of his attendance upon return, with his hearing now set for March 11. Singh, who is currently touring Paris, will return by March 10 and appear the next day.
Chanchlani, unable to attend due to illness, was represented by his lawyer and has been granted a hearing on March 6. Meanwhile, Poojari and Bothra, who did not respond to the summons, have drawn the NCW’s ire, prompting the commission to reissue notices to them.