‘India’s Got Latent’ Dispute | Supreme Court Issues Notice on Ashish Chanchlani’s Petition Against Multiple FIRs Over Obscenity Charges
Last Updated on February 21, 2025 by Shianjany Pradhan
The Supreme Court issued a notice regarding YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani’s petition seeking the consolidation of multiple FIRs filed against him for alleged obscenity in the “India’s Got Latent” show.
The FIRs mentioned above have been registered in Guwahati and Mumbai and are being challenged by Chanchlani, who requested their transfer to Mumbai.
The bench comprised of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh acknowledged the plea.
It directed notices to be served to the concerned respondents while also linking the matter with a similar petition filed by co-accused Ranveer Allahabadia.
Initially, Chanchlani had approached the Gauhati High Court for anticipatory bail in connection with the Assam FIR.
he argued that the contentious remarks were made by guest panelist Allahabadia, and he had no involvement in editing or post-production.
Earlier, the High Court granted him interim anticipatory bail.
He was further instructed him to appear before the investigating officer within ten days.
Background
The controversy comes from an episode of comedian Samay Raina’s YouTube show, “India’s Got Latent,” featuring popular digital creators, including Chanchlani.
After clips from the show went viral, they sparked outrage.
Following the backlash, Raina publicly apologized and removed all episodes of the show.
Allahabadia also issued an apology, acknowledging his comments were inappropriate.
Assam police lodged an FIR against five YouTubers and content creators, accusing them of promoting obscenity and engaging in explicit discussions.
The charges were filed under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 79 (insulting the modesty of a woman), 95 (involvement of a child in an offense), 294 (sale of obscene material), and 296 (obscene acts and songs), along with Section 67 of the IT Act, 2000 (punishment for publishing or transmitting obscene content online).
The FIR invoked Sections 4 and 7 of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and Sections 4 and 6 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
The complaint was filed by Alok Boruah, who alleged that there was vulgar and sexually explicit discussions on the show.
Following this, authorities in Maharashtra and Jaipur also reportedly registered cases concerning the same controversy.
On the same day that Chanchlani received relief from the Gauhati High Court, the Supreme Court extended interim protection from arrest to Allahabadia in FIRs registered across Mumbai, Guwahati, and Jaipur.
