YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani has approached the Supreme Court, seeking to quash or transfer an FIR filed against him in Guwahati. The FIR, registered on February 10, 2025, at the Cyber Police Station, Guwahati Crime Branch, Assam, accuses Chanchlani and others of promoting obscenity during an episode of the YouTube comedy show “India’s Got Latent.”
Background of the Controversy
The controversy centers around an episode of “India’s Got Latent,” hosted by comedian Samay Raina. This particular episode featured prominent content creators, including Ranveer Allahbadia (popularly known as BeerBiceps), Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, and Apoorva Makhija, as guest judges. During the show, Allahbadia posed a provocative question to a contestant:
“Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day for the rest of your life or join in once to make it stop forever?”
This remark sparked widespread outrage on social media platforms, leading to multiple complaints and the subsequent FIRs against the individuals involved.
Legal Proceedings and Chanchlani’s Response
In response to the FIR, Chanchlani filed a plea in the Supreme Court, requesting the quashing of the FIR No. 03 of 2025 registered in Guwahati. Alternatively, he seeks the transfer of this FIR to Mumbai Police Station Nodal Cyber, where a related FIR (No. 05 of 2025) was registered earlier. Chanchlani’s counsel argues that he did not make any derogatory remarks during the show; the allegations pertain to comments made by co-accused individuals.
On February 18, 2025, the Gauhati High Court granted interim bail to Chanchlani while hearing his anticipatory bail petition. The court directed him to appear before the investigating officer within ten days.
Reactions from Authorities and the Public
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the registration of the FIR, stating that the case accuses the individuals of promoting obscenity and engaging in sexually explicit discussions.
The incident has ignited debates about the boundaries of humor and content creation in digital media. While some defend the show’s content as comedic expression, others believe it crossed the line of decency.
Impact on “India’s Got Latent” and Its Creators
Following the backlash, Ashish Chanchlani canceled his Valentine’s Day event, citing health concerns. In an Instagram post, he mentioned:
“Hello doston, I am not keeping well, so unfortunately I won’t be able to attend & host the screening of the film ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ on Valentine’s Day. But don’t worry, those who are selected can still go & enjoy the show. I know, I am gonna miss y’all so much! Love you 3000.”
The show’s host, Samay Raina, removed all episodes of “India’s Got Latent” from his YouTube channel on February 12, 2025. He stated that he would fully cooperate with authorities to ensure a fair inquiry.
Broader Implications
This incident has prompted discussions about content regulation on digital platforms. A parliamentary committee has reached out to the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, seeking laws to regulate digital content like podcasts and over-the-top (OTT) platforms in light of this controversy.
As the case progresses, it is expected to set a precedent for how digital content creators navigate the fine line between creative expression and societal norms.
