The Supreme Court on Monday noted that the investigation into podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia—popularly known as BeerBiceps—had concluded, and scheduled a hearing for April 28 to consider his plea for the return of his passport.
The case relates to objectionable comments made during a YouTube appearance that sparked multiple FIRs.
Probe Completion
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh stated that it would take up the plea at the end of the month. The court was informed that while the investigation in Mumbai is complete, a chargesheet is yet to be filed.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for both Maharashtra and Assam Police, said that in the Guwahati FIR, only the statement of a co-accused remained to be recorded. The court took note of this and formally recorded that the investigation concerning Allahbadia was complete.
Background
Earlier, on February 18, the apex court granted Allahbadia interim protection from arrest in connection with several FIRs lodged over his controversial comments in a YouTube episode. However, the court directed him to surrender his passport to the Nodal Cyber Police Station in Thane as a condition.
The comments were made during comedian Samay Raina’s show, India’s Got Latent, where Allahbadia spoke about parents and sex in a manner that the court later described as “vulgar”. The bench remarked that he had a “dirty mind” and had “put the society to shame.”
Conditional Return To Podcasting
On March 3, the court allowed Allahbadia to resume hosting his popular show, The Ranveer Show, but with strict conditions. The court emphasized that the content must uphold “morality and decency” and be suitable for all age groups. It also prohibited him from producing or airing any content that could have a direct or indirect impact on the ongoing legal proceedings.
Others Named In Case
In addition to Allahbadia and Samay Raina, other comedians and creators named in the Assam FIR include Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, and Apoorva Makhija.
As the matter returns to court on April 28, Allahbadia will seek the return of his passport while remaining under the Supreme Court’s directive to maintain appropriate content standards in his future broadcasts.
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