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Synopsis

In a significant relief to YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, popularly known as BeerBiceps, the Supreme Court of India on Monday, April 28, 2025, directed the release of his passport.

A bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh ordered," In continuation of the earlier date, it is stated by learned SG Mehta that investigation in both Maharashtra and Assam, qua the petitioner Ranveer Allahbadia, is complete.He now submits that the petitioner may be required to appear until the chargesheet is filed. As the investigation is nearly complete, we refer to paragraph 3 of the order dated April 2025, and consequently permit the petitioner to request the Maharashtra authorities to release his passport. The passport may be released on reasonable terms and conditions. The passport is to be returned to enable the petitioner to travel abroad. Post the matter for further consideration on next Monday."

Earlier, the apex court had seized Allahbadia’s passport in order to prevent him from travelling abroad, as he is facing a criminal investigation in connection with controversial remarks made during the show India's Got Talent.

During the hearing today, the court was told by both the Assam and Maharashtra governments that their investigations into the FIRs against Allahbadia were complete.

Previously

It is to be noted that on April 1, the Apex Court had refused to release Ranveer Allahbadia’s passport, observing that the prayer relating to the same would be considered after the completion of the investigation. Court had also taken note of the undertaking submitted by Allahbadia, wherein he assured the court that he would maintain decency in his show and refrain from discussing any matter that is sub judice. 

Court had also recorded that Allahbadia had filed an affidavit stating he had joined the investigation and fully cooperated with the authorities. Accordingly, the court had ordered, “Upon inquiry, the Solicitor General (SG) informs that the investigation in the ongoing FIRs is likely to be completed within two weeks. Since the petitioner might be required to join the investigation, his prayer for release of passport/travel abroad will be considered after the investigation is complete.”

Earlier, the court had allowed Allahbadia to resume his podcast, The Ranveer Show, subject to the condition that he shall adhere to the required standards of morality and decency, ensuring that the content is suitable for viewers of all age groups. The Court reiterated that the conditions imposed upon Allahbadia were modified, keeping in view the fact that the livelihood of around 280 employees depended on the telecast of his podcast. Addressing Allahbadia's second prayer, which pertained to allowing him to travel abroad, the court said that such a request would be considered only after he joins the probe and is no longer required for the investigation.

What is the Controversy?

The controversy erupted when Allahbadia passed obscene remarks during his guest appearance on the YouTube show India's Got Latent, a talent show hosted by comedian Samay Raina.

Following this, a complaint was filed with the Mumbai Commissioner and Maharashtra Women's Commission against Ranveer Allahbadia, Samay Raina, and media influencer Apoorva Makhija for allegedly using abusive language on the show.

Subsequently, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam Chief Minister, took to X, popularly known as Twitter, and posted, "Today @GuwahatiPol has registered an FIR against certain Youtubers and social Influencers, namely 1. Shri Ashish Chanchlani 2. Shri Jaspreet Singh 3. Shri Apoorva Makhija 4. Shri Ranveer Allahbadia 5. Shri Samay Raina and others for promoting obscenity and engaging in sexually explicit and vulgar discussion in a show titled ' India's Got Latent'."

He had added that "the Guwahati Crime Branch had registered a case vide Cyber PS case no. 03/2025 under Sections 79, 95, 294, 296 of BNS 2023 read with Section 67 of IT Act, 2000, read with Section 4/7 of the Cinematograph Act 1952 read with Section 4, 6 of ⁠the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986."

Case Title: Ranveer Gautam Allahbadia v. Union of India & Another Connected Matter [W.P.(Crl.) No. 83/2025]