New Delhi, February 18: The Supreme Court on Tuesday urged the Centre to contemplate regulating inappropriate content on YouTube and other social media platforms, emphasizing that it would not allow a void or misuse by certain so-called YouTube channels. A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh directed Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, present in the courtroom for another case, to seek guidance from the Attorney General and Solicitor General on the matter.
"There have been incidents involving these so-called YouTubers. We expect the government to take action. If the government is willing, we are happy; otherwise, we will not allow this space to remain unregulated, with these YouTube channels misusing it," Justice Kant remarked to Bhati. The bench stressed the significance and sensitivity of the issue, adding that it should not be overlooked.
Justice Kant further instructed Bhati to request the presence of the Attorney General and Solicitor General during the next hearing.
The Court’s comments came in response to controversial remarks made by YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahabadia during his appearance on the show India’s Got Latent. On the same day, the bench heard a plea from Allahabadia, requesting that the multiple FIRs filed against him be consolidated and seeking interim relief from arrest.
During the hearing, the bench strongly criticized Allahabadia, saying his comments were disgraceful, adding that his parents and society would feel ashamed. "There is something deeply inappropriate in his mind, which he has publicly expressed on the show," the bench remarked.
