Amid growing controversy over YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia’s remarks on the roast show India’s Got Latent, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has stated that while he has not personally watched the video, action will be taken against anyone who crosses the limits of decency.
Fadnavis emphasized that while freedom of speech is a fundamental right, it must not encroach upon others’ rights. “I have been informed about this, though I have not watched it yet. I came to know that it was very vulgar and this was wrong. Everyone has freedom of speech, but this freedom ends when we encroach upon others’ freedom. Everyone has limits; if anyone crosses them, action will be taken,” he said.
The controversy erupted after Mumbai-based lawyers Ashish Rai and Pankaj Mishra filed a police complaint against Allahbadia, widely known as “BeerBiceps,” and other comedians featured on the show, including Samay Raina and Apoorva Makhija. The complaint, addressed to Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phalsankar and the Maharashtra State Women’s Commission, alleges that the show contained disrespectful remarks about women and promoted vulgarity.
Outrage Over Vulgar Remarks
A short clip from the show, now viral on social media, features Allahbadia asking a contestant, “Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day for the rest of your life or join in once and stop it forever?” The lawyers argue that such statements are not only indecent but also harmful, as they “spread vulgar thoughts in children’s minds about their parents.” The complaint further alleges that such content is produced solely for financial gain, disregarding ethical considerations.
Demanding strict action, the complainants have called for an FIR against the show’s participants and organizers, along with a complete shutdown of India’s Got Latent.
Backlash from Public Figures
The remarks have drawn widespread criticism from both the public and prominent personalities. Journalist and lyricist Neelesh Misra condemned the show, calling out the lack of responsibility among content creators. Sharing a clip of Allahbadia’s comment, Misra remarked, “I am also not surprised that four people at the desk—and lots in the audience—celebrated this and had a great laugh. You, the audience, normalized and celebrated this and people like these.”
He further criticized the trend of sensationalism in digital media, stating, “Decency is not incentivized in India—by platforms or audiences—and creators are stooping lower and lower for audience reach and revenue. Banal, crass, and insensitive content is being passed off as cool and humorous in the name of freedom of speech.”
Congress leader Supriya Shrinate also weighed in on the controversy, expressing concern over how such remarks are being applauded. “This isn’t creative. It’s perverse. And we can’t normalize perverse behavior as cool. The fact that this sick comment met loud applause must worry us all,” she wrote.
Calls for Stricter Regulations
The controversy has reignited discussions on the need for stricter content moderation on digital platforms. While Allahbadia and the show’s producers have yet to issue a response, the backlash suggests increasing scrutiny over online content that crosses ethical and moral boundaries.
As the debate continues, legal experts and authorities will likely examine whether the remarks violate any laws related to obscenity and public morality. If an FIR is registered, it could set a precedent for regulating digital comedy content in India.
Sources By Agencies
