SC questions lack of accountability in online content case involving Ranveer Allahbadia

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday raised concerns over unregulated online content while hearing the case involving YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia. During the proceedings, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said it was “strange” that individuals could launch their own channels and operate without any accountability, according to news reports,.

“So I create my own channel, I am not accountable to anyone...somebody has to be accountable,” the Chief Justice said, pointing to the wider issue of unchecked user-generated content.

The matter relates to multiple FIRs filed against Allahbadia and several other digital creators over remarks made on his show India’s Got Latent. The complaints allege that the content insulted religious sentiments and disrespected women.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench that the issue was one of “perversity” rather than obscenity, cautioning that creators cannot function without limits under the pretext of free expression.

Responding to Mehta’s submission, the Chief Justice noted that adult-oriented content could include warnings and parental controls. He also suggested that there could be an autonomous body responsible for determining what content may be permitted during an interim phase.

Justice Joymalya Bagchi said that although free speech is protected, it is still regulated, and content that threatens national unity, integrity or sovereignty may justifiably be curbed.

He further stated that self-regulation remains the most effective form of oversight, reflecting the court’s expectation that creators exercise restraint and responsibility.
During the hearing, the Chief Justice also warned the creators and their teams that they “need to be very careful in the future,” adding that comments made within India and abroad were under close watch.

“Someone was making comments in Canada also we know all of this,” he remarked.
Supporting the court’s view, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta added that the creators had even mocked the Supreme Court itself.

The Chief Justice said the court would consider refraining from imposing a fine on the content curators and influencers involved if they proposed making a donation to a reputable institution.