On Tuesday, 18th February, we received a major update in the Ranveer Allahbadia controversy after the Supreme Court issued a ruling regarding the issue. The court acknowledged that his remarks were inappropriate and offensive but refrained from serving any severe punishment. Instead, the court emphasized that public figures should exercise caution while making statements that could be deemed problematic. The court also added that Ranveer must surrender his passport to the authorities and cannot leave the country without permission.
This judgment has been met with mixed reactions from the people. While many celebrate, justifying the court’s statements and orders, while others argue that legal action against an influencer for speech-related offenses sets a dangerous precedent and that public figures should be held accountable by their audiences rather than the judiciary.
Critics point out the selective urgency with which the court took up this case, especially when thousands of serious criminal cases remain pending for years. While it is true that Allahbadia’s remarks were inappropriate, the swiftness of judicial intervention has raised concerns about fairness and prioritization in India’s legal system.
Selective Outrage? But why Ranveer?
The timing of Ranveer Allahbadia’s controversy aligns suspiciously with the government’s push for stricter digital regulations. Is it possible that he is just a scapegoat to justify newer strict digital laws? The now-withdrawn Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2024 sought to control digital content creators, and since it was withdrawn, Ranveer’s case could be used as an opportunity to sway public opinion in favor of such restrictions.
By amplifying outrage against a popular influencer, authorities might be setting the stage for a revised version of the bill under the Digital India Act or similar legislation. We all are aware of how governments have historically used high-profile cases to push controversial policies, and this could be no different. If a new bill emerges soon with stricter content regulations, it will be clear that this controversy was more than just a legal case—it was a calculated move.
But why target Ranveer? Ranveer Allahbadia is someone who caters mostly to the “right-wing Hindu audience” of India. This is why if the government targeted anyone who is left leaning, they leftist ecosystem would stand by that person, and protest if any such bill is brought after such an incident. But since Ranveer already falls into the “right wing” and “nationalist” category, we don’t see leftist activists standing up for him, and this makes the job easier for government. People who fall into the “right wing” category are now confused whether to support Ranveer or the government!
Public Boycott vs. Government Intervention
Ranveer Allahbadia’s offensive and disgusting remarks deserve criticism- severe criticism, in fact. But it is ultimately the public’s responsibility to hold him accountable, not the government or judiciary. He has also contributed positively by promoting spirituality, yoga, meditation, vegetarianism, and exposing uncomfortable “taboo” truths that few dare to discuss. Cancel culture should remain a societal tool, not a state-enforced punishment. The kind of treatment Ranveer is getting is no different than digital mob-lynching.
Selective Action Against Influencers
The argument that influencers should be held accountable is valid, but why is Ranveer facing extreme scrutiny while others who engage in far worse vulgarity continue unchecked? Ranveer is not an “ideal” person the youth should follow by any means, but regardless, he has provided a lot of educational content through his guests, even if many would consider it “controversial”. Many Instagram and YouTube influencers however add zero value to society, and they are routinely posting obscene, misleading, and unethical content, yet no serious legal action is taken against them. If accountability is the goal, then why isn’t the government taking action on a single creator who normalize disturbing content under the guise of entertainment?
Media Sensationalism: Arnab vs Ranveer
The media, instead of addressing urgent national issues, has chosen to fan the flames. Arnab Goswami, a self-proclaimed crusader of truth, has conducted repeated debates on Ranveer’s remarks, branding him a pervert. Fine, let’s accept he is one— most people have! Now what? What is the next step??
The obsessive coverage, holding news debates again and again, may only reflect Arnab’s frustration and jealousy, given that Ranveer, being 20 years younger, as an independent content creator and entrepreneur, has surpassed him in reach and influence. Ranveer became a successful entrepreneur in his 20s, while Arnab, despite having more experience, was an employee for other media organizations till 2016. Despite his immense experience, does he know that journalism should focus on pressing issues, not personal vendettas?
Forgotten Cases: Atul Subhash and the 2024 Kolkata Medical Rape-Murder Case
While Ranveer’s case dominates headlines, extremely serious and heinous crimes have been pushed into obscurity. The Atul Subhash case, has almost disappeared from media highlights, though the culprit barely received any punishment! In fact, more and more cases similar to Atul Subhash can be seen but none of them are getting any publicity. Similarly, the 2024 Kolkata medical rape-murder case, where a female doctor was brutally raped and killed, has been forgotten by both the judiciary and the media. Why is there no sustained outrage for these cases? Why does the legal system not act with the same urgency?
Selective Priorities of the Legal System?
With thousands of cases pending for years, high-profile cases involving the rich and powerful businessmen and celebrities have dragged on for decades with little consequence. Meanwhile, cases against popular youtubers and those without much political backing often receive swift action. What message does this kind of selective priority of the justice system give to our next generation?
When will the Ranveer Allahbadia Controversy End?
Holding public figures accountable is important, but justice should be consistent. If Ranveer Allahbadia deserves legal scrutiny, so do the countless other influencers who peddle much worse and harmful content. If the judiciary can act swiftly on controversial remarks, it should do the same for murder, rape, kidnapping, extortion and corruption cases. The selective targeting of individuals while ignoring far graver crimes reflects a deeply flawed system, and if we really want to develop as a nation, the focus should be on true justice, rather than unfair and selective justice.
