By The Supreme Court of India is set to hear YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia’s petition for the return of his passport on April 28, 2025. The development comes after the apex court earlier allowed him to resume his podcast, ‘The Ranveer Show’, but withheld his passport due to ongoing investigations into multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against him.
The FIRs stem from a controversial episode of the YouTube show India’s Got Latent, where Allahbadia and fellow influencer Ashish Chanchlani made comments that have been interpreted by complainants as offensive and derogatory, allegedly hurting religious sentiments.
Allahbadia Allowed to Podcast, But Travel Restrictions Remain
Allahbadia, who commands millions of followers on YouTube and social media, had requested the return of his passport to facilitate overseas travel for content creation and business partnerships. However, the court previously denied this request, citing the need for his presence in the country during the ongoing probe.
Though allowed to restart The Ranveer Show, his international appearances and collaborations are now on hold, affecting both his professional commitments and global brand partnerships.
Ashish Chanchlani Wants FIRs Clubbed and Shifted to Maharashtra
In a related case, YouTube comedian Ashish Chanchlani, who also faces multiple FIRs for the same video, has requested the Supreme Court to club the FIRs filed across different Indian states and transfer the case to Maharashtra, where he is based.
Chanchlani’s legal team argues that multiple FIRs for the same content are redundant and harassing, adding unnecessary burden on both the police machinery and the individual. The Supreme Court has entertained similar pleas in past cases involving journalists and public figures, raising the chances of a favorable verdict.
Digital Content Creators in Legal Crosshairs
The developments involving Allahbadia and Chanchlani highlight the increased legal scrutiny of digital content creators in India. With social media becoming a primary source of entertainment and commentary for millions, the boundaries between humor, criticism, and offense are increasingly being tested in courts.
What makes these cases significant is the public influence wielded by these creators. Both Allahbadia and Chanchlani have huge fan bases and frequently collaborate with Bollywood celebrities, entrepreneurs, and international guests. Their comments, once seen as light-hearted banter or opinion, are now being examined under legal and moral lenses.
Growing Debate Over FIR Multiplicity
Legal experts and activists are calling for reform in how FIRs are handled, especially when multiple cases are filed for a single incident. The practice of filing FIRs in different jurisdictions for the same content can lead to legal harassment, especially for creators with no criminal history.
The Supreme Court’s decisions in these cases could have lasting implications on India’s digital ecosystem. If the FIRs are clubbed and Allahbadia is granted his passport, it may offer relief to other content creators facing similar issues. On the other hand, a strict stance could lead to more cautious content creation and self-censorship online.
Mumbai Court Delivers Justice in Unrelated High-Profile Case
Meanwhile, Mumbai’s legal scene saw another major development. In a 2016 murder case, the Panvel sessions court sentenced former police inspector Abhay Kurundkar to life imprisonment for the murder of assistant inspector Ashwini Bidre-Gore. The case had remained unresolved for years, but recent breakthroughs helped the court convict Kurundkar and two others involved in destroying evidence.
While unrelated, the verdict adds to the intense legal activity currently making headlines in Mumbai and highlights the judiciary’s active role in delivering justice across different types of cases.