'India's Got Latent' Row | 'Some People Writing Articles On Freedom Of Speech; We Know How To Handle Them Also' : Justice Surya Kant

During the hearing of Youtuber Ranveer Allahabadia's case against the FIRs over 'obscene' comments, Justice Surya Kant of Supreme Court today seemingly expressed disapproval of articles decrying the criminal action against Allahabadia and defending his freedom of speech and expression.

The matter was before a bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh. During the hearing, Justice Kant said,

"We know some people writing articles in the name of freedom of speech, etc...we know how to handle them also...in this country, there is nothing like a fundamental right on platter...the fundamental rights are all followed by a duty...unless those people understand duty, there is no [...] deal with that kind of elements...if somebody wants to enjoy fundamental rights, this country gives a guarantee to enjoy, but guarantee is with a duty so that guarantee will involve performing that duty also", commented Justice Kant.

At the same time, while imposing a condition on Allahabadia that he shall not make comments on sub-judice matters in his future shows, the judge took note of a "joke" made by a co-accused in the matter during a show held in Canada.

"These youngsters are being oversmart...[they think we are outdated generation probably]...one of them has gone to Canada and spoke there...[they don't know] the jurisdiction which this Court enjoys and what probably can be done...We don't want to because they are young, we understand...", the judge said.

Be that as it may, the Court lifted the earlier restriction imposed on Allahabadia from airing future shows. It also expanded the nature of the proceedings to consider the need for a regulatory mechanism against vulgarity in online shows/platforms. 

Case Title:

(1) RANVEER GAUTAM ALLAHABADIA Versus UNION OF INDIA AND ORS., W.P.(Crl.) No. 83/2025

(2) ASHISH ANIL CHANCHLANI Versus STATE OF GUWAHATI AND ANR., W.P.(Crl.) No. 85/2025