The Supreme Court on Monday permitted popular influencer Ranveer Allahabadia to resume airing his podcast, The Ranveer Show, on the condition that he furnishes an undertaking to maintain the desired standards of morality and decency, ensuring the content remains appropriate for viewers of all age groups.
The court’s decision came after noting that the livelihoods of 280 employees depend on the show’s continuation. Allahabadia had approached the Supreme Court seeking the lifting of restrictions imposed on airing his content.
In addition to allowing the show to resume, the apex court extended the interim protection granted to Allahabadia from arrest in connection with FIRs filed against him in Maharashtra and Assam.
The court also acknowledged a statement from the Attorney General and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who suggested the need for certain regulatory measures to prevent the broadcast of content that may violate societal moral standards.
The Supreme Court directed the Solicitor General to deliberate on potential measures that would balance the enforcement of decency standards without infringing on the fundamental right to free speech and expression. It further proposed that any draft regulatory framework be put in the public domain for stakeholder feedback before any legislative or judicial action is taken.
