In an order dated March 3, 2025 (“March Order”), the Supreme Court ruled as follows while considering requests for modification of its February 2025 order:
Ban on telecasting of ‘The Ranveer Show’ was lifted subject to two conditions:
The Supreme Court’s February 2025 order had prohibited Mr. Ranveer Allahbadia and his associates from “airing any show on YouTube or any other audio/video visual mode of communication till further orders.”
However, through its March Order, the Supreme Court modified its earlier directions in this regard and permitted Mr. Ranveer Allahbadia to resume his digital podcast, ‘The Ranveer Show’, subject to the following two conditions:
Furnishing of an undertaking ensuring that his podcast would maintain the desired standards of decency and morality, thereby making it suitable for viewers of all age groups; and
Prohibition on discussing elements of this case on ‘The Ranveer Show’
The Court has not defined what constituted the “desired standards of decency and morality”. The effect on the livelihood of approximately 280 employees of the show had a strong bearing on the Supreme Court’s relaxation.
Restrictions on travelling abroad:
Notably, the February 2025 order had mandated that Mr. Ranveer Allahbadia deposit his passport with the Investigating Officer in Thane and not leave the country without prior permission of the Court. Through its March Order, the Court clarified that the existing travel restriction on travelling abroad would be considered only after the petitioner joined the investigation process.
Government to formulate regulations around broadcasting of content:
The Attorney General and Solicitor General had submitted the need for some regulatory measures to ensure content regulation while broadcasting. The Supreme Court agreed with the submission (keeping in mind the fundamental right to free speech and expression) and suggested that the Government draft regulatory measures which would be within the realms of the reasonable restrictions imposed under Article 19(2) of the Indian Constitution. Further, the Supreme Court suggested that such draft regulatory proposal could be brought into the public domain for stakeholder consultation before undertaking any legislative or judicial measures in this regard.
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