The Supreme Court has allowed podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia to resume ‘The Ranveer Show’, but his legal troubles are far from over. While the top court permitted him to continue his content under strict decency norms, it has put his request for passport release on hold, citing concerns about the ongoing investigation.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh, in its March 3 order, said it would reconsider Allahbadia’s plea to retrieve his passport only after the probe into his controversial remarks is completed. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Maharashtra and Assam governments, informed the court that the investigation is expected to conclude within two weeks, after which the court would reconsider Allahbadia’s request.
During the court proceedings, his lawyer highlighted the financial strain caused by the restrictions, arguing that Allahbadia employs 280 people and relies on his podcast for livelihood.
Allahbadia’s lawyer, senior advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, urged the court to lift the passport restriction, arguing that international travel was crucial for his work.
“He interviews sportspersons, politicians, and spiritual leaders. That’s how he earns a living. If this condition continues, he won’t be able to afford legal representation for himself eventually,” Chandrachud told the court.
However, the bench was firm that overseas travel could interfere with the investigation.
The Bench, in its March 3 order, allowed the podcaster to restart his show, stressing the importance of maintaining “the desired standards of decency and morality.” Senior advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, representing Allahbadia, confirmed that his client had joined the ongoing probe.
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“Subject to the petitioner furnishing an undertaking to the effect that his podcast shows will maintain the desired standards of decency and morality so that viewers of any age group can watch, the petitioner is allowed to resume the Ranveer Show,” the bench was quoted as saying by PTI.
The controversy erupted after Allahbadia, during comedian Samay Raina’s ‘India Got Talent’ show, posed an explicit and distasteful question to a fan. The comment triggered outrage, leading to multiple FIRs in Maharashtra and Assam against him and other panelists. Facing backlash, Allahbadia issued a public apology, admitting, “My comment wasn’t just inappropriate, it wasn’t even funny.”
With the Supreme Court’s green light, Allahbadia announced his return on YouTube, assuring his followers that he would produce content with greater responsibility and “better quality”.