Regulations in face of vulgarity

The top court has flagged larger concerns about free speech on social media, but is an obscenity law really the answer?

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The Supreme Court granted interim protection from arrest to Ranveer Allahbadia, a podcaster whose comments on a YouTube show have led to stormy debates on what is comedy and the boundaries of what can be passed off as entertainment.

The two judges hearing Allahbadia's plea—multiple FIRs have been filed against him—described his remarks as "perverted", "dirty" and "disgusting" and barred him from broadcasting any new content until further orders.

The bench described Allahbadia's conduct as showing a "lack of responsibility" and felt that the YouTuber was "taking society for granted".

The bench also asked the government to consider an anti-obscenity law for YouTube channels and social media.