SC urges Centre to regulate 'obscene content' on YouTube after India's Got Latent show controversy

The Supreme Court on Tuesday urged the Centre to consider regulating obscene content on platforms like YouTube and other social media, stressing that it would not tolerate the current misuse of the space by so-called YouTube channels.

A bench consisting of Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh asked Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, who was present in the courtroom for another matter, to consult with the Attorney General and Solicitor General for assistance.

“There was this case of so-called YouTubers… We would like you (the government) to do something. If the government is willing to act, we are happy; otherwise, we will not leave this vacuum and barren area the way these so-called YouTube channels are misusing it,” Justice Kant told Bhati.

The bench emphasized that the issue was both important and sensitive.

Justice Kant further directed Bhati to request the presence of the Attorney General and Solicitor General for the next hearing.

These remarks came in response to inappropriate comments made by YouTuber and Podcaster Ranveer Allahabadia during his appearance on the show India's Got Latent.

The court was hearing Allahabadia’s plea to consolidate the multiple FIRs filed against him and to seek interim relief from arrest.

During the hearing, the bench criticized Allahabadia’s behavior, stating that his comments were shameful.

“There is something very dirty in his mind, which has been vomited by him in the program,” the bench remarked, adding that both his parents and society would be ashamed.