The Supreme Court on Monday (March 3) permitted podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, popularly known as BeerBiceps, to continue airing his show, The Ranveer Show, while emphasizing the need for maintaining standards of decency and morality.

The court also suggested that the Union government formulate a proposal to regulate content that offends societal norms while ensuring free speech is not curtailed beyond the reasonable restrictions outlined in Article 19(2) of the Constitution.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh granted Allahbadia permission to resume broadcasting, subject to his undertaking that the show would adhere to ethical standards and be suitable for viewers of all age groups.

However, the court specified that no episodes should be aired that directly or indirectly impact ongoing legal proceedings related to the controversy surrounding Allahbadia’s remarks.

Court Urges Regulatory Framework Without Curtailing Free Speech

During the hearing, the Supreme Court expressed its intention to widen the scope of the case. The Union government had suggested that regulations be introduced to prevent the broadcast of content that violates widely accepted moral standards.

In response, the bench directed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to deliberate and propose a framework that ensures accountability without imposing censorship.

“We don’t want any regulatory regime which is about censorship but it is also cannot be a free for all platform,” Justice Kant was quoted as saying by Bar and Bench.

The court also took note of opinions being voiced in the media regarding freedom of speech.

“We know that some briefless people are writing some articles in the name of freedom of speech and expression. We know how to handle them also,” Justice Kant remarked, as reported by PTI.

SC Had Earlier Criticized Allahbadia’s Remarks, Granted Interim Protection

Allahbadia was facing multiple cases over sexually explicit comments made during an episode of India’s Got Latent, a YouTube show.

Last month, the Supreme Court granted him interim protection from arrest while barring him from airing content on YouTube or any other platform until further orders.

While issuing the interim protection on February 18, Justice Kant had strongly criticized the remarks, calling them “dirty” and likening them to being “vomited” by the podcaster.

The court’s decision to allow Allahbadia to resume his show on Monday was influenced by his plea that nearly 280 people depended on the program for their livelihood.

SC to Consider Travel Request After Investigation Compliance

Additionally, the bench addressed Allahbadia’s request to travel abroad. The court, which had earlier directed him to surrender his passport, stated that his plea would be considered only after he cooperates with the ongoing investigation.

In response to reports that one of the accused in the case had commented on the matter from Canada, Justice Kant noted that young individuals sometimes believe they are “oversmart” and perceive the judiciary as outdated.

“They don’t know what kind of jurisdiction this court has. We don’t want to show it because they are young and hope they will behave like responsible people. Otherwise we know how to deal with these people,” he warned.

Following the controversy, the Union government had issued an advisory to over-the-top (OTT) platforms, directing them to comply with legal provisions while publishing content.