In a high-profile legal case, Abhinav Chandrachud, a well-regarded Bombay High Court lawyer, is representing popular YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, known as “BeerBiceps,” in the Supreme Court of India. The case revolves around a controversial episode of the YouTube show India’s Got Latent, where Mr. Allahbadia made remarks that led to significant public backlash and legal scrutiny. Abhinav’s involvement in this case marks a rare appearance for the lawyer in the Supreme Court, as he has not argued a case there for nearly nine years.
This article explores the background of the controversy, Abhinav Chandrachud’s legal career, and the ongoing developments surrounding the case.
The Legal Case Involving Ranveer Allahbadia
On Friday morning, the Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, presided over the case involving Ranveer Allahbadia, who is facing legal challenges stemming from his appearance on the India’s Got Latent show. The episode in question, featuring Allahbadia alongside comedian Samay Raina, stirred controversy after Allahbadia made comments that many found offensive and inappropriate. The remarks quickly garnered public outrage, leading to complaints and an investigation by the Mumbai Police.
In the wake of the controversy, Allahbadia was summoned by the Mumbai Police for questioning. Although the initial summons was issued on Thursday, it was only after the second notice was delivered on Friday that the police team attempted to visit Allahbadia’s residence. Despite their efforts, the house was found to be locked. In addition to questioning Allahbadia, law enforcement is also interested in other individuals involved in the controversial episode, including YouTubers Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, and Apoorva Makhija.
As the case unfolds, the legal proceedings have moved to the Supreme Court, where Abhinav Chandrachud has taken on the responsibility of representing Allahbadia in this matter. Despite his relative inexperience in the Supreme Court, Abhinav’s legal expertise and credentials have drawn significant attention.
Who is Abhinav Chandrachud?
Abhinav Chandrachud, a distinguished lawyer and academic, hails from a family with deep roots in India’s judiciary. His father, DY Chandrachud, served as the Chief Justice of India, a position that placed him at the pinnacle of the Indian judicial system. However, Abhinav has carved his own path in the legal world, practicing law at the Bombay High Court and holding notable academic qualifications.
Abhinav completed his undergraduate law degree from Government Law College, Mumbai, before furthering his education at prestigious international institutions. He earned both a Master of Laws (LLM) and a Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD) from Stanford Law School, where he was awarded the Franklin Family Scholarship. His academic work, including his books Republic of Rhetoric: Free Speech and the Constitution of India (2017) and Supreme Whispers: Conversations with Judges of the Supreme Court of India 1980-1989 (2018), has contributed to legal discourse in India.
Chandrachud’s legal career has been marked by his work as an associate attorney at the renowned international law firm, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. Additionally, he has written opinion pieces in leading newspapers and has established himself as a respected voice in the Indian legal community. Despite his qualifications, Abhinav has been reluctant to appear in the Supreme Court during his father’s tenure, as noted in a previous interview where his father recalled the personal decision to maintain professional integrity by not engaging in cases at the highest level.
The Context of the Controversy: ‘India’s Got Latent’ Show
The controversy surrounding Ranveer Allahbadia began with his participation in an episode of the YouTube series India’s Got Latent. The show, hosted by comedian Samay Raina, became the center of controversy after Allahbadia made several remarks deemed inappropriate by viewers. The comments were widely criticized on social media and prompted several complaints to the police, particularly from individuals in Assam.
The episode’s remarks were perceived as crude and offensive, leading to widespread outrage. As a result, the police initiated an investigation, which included issuing summons to Allahbadia for questioning. Despite the summons, Allahbadia failed to appear on the scheduled dates, prompting the police to intensify their efforts by dispatching teams to his residence.
Authorities have since involved the Cyber Department, particularly in light of the show’s online nature, and are also examining the roles of other individuals involved in the episode. The case is gaining significant media attention as it delves into issues of free speech, the limits of humor, and the responsibilities of content creators in India.
Legal Implications and Consequences
The ongoing legal battle has raised several important questions related to freedom of expression, defamation, and the legal responsibilities of online content creators. The controversy has also sparked debates on the role of the police in regulating content on social media platforms and the implications for creators who may inadvertently cross lines of social decorum.
Abhinav Chandrachud’s role in representing Allahbadia will likely center on defending the podcaster’s right to free speech, as well as contesting the allegations of impropriety. While the legal proceedings continue, the case highlights the broader tension between digital content creation and the need for regulatory frameworks to address potentially harmful or offensive content online.
The Road Ahead: What to Expect
As the case progresses, it remains to be seen how the Supreme Court will approach this matter and whether it will set a precedent for similar cases in the future. The involvement of a lawyer of Abhinav Chandrachud’s caliber indicates the seriousness with which Allahbadia is defending himself. The case has the potential to become a landmark judgment in India’s legal and digital landscape, addressing critical issues surrounding free speech, defamation, and online content regulation.
In the meantime, both Allahbadia and his legal team will likely focus on navigating the complexities of this high-profile case, while also responding to the growing public and legal scrutiny surrounding the episode.
Conclusion
Abhinav Chandrachud’s representation of Ranveer Allahbadia in the India’s Got Latent controversy is a significant moment in Indian legal history. The case touches on crucial issues regarding online speech, the boundaries of public discourse, and the legal responsibilities of digital content creators. As the matter proceeds to the Supreme Court, it will likely shape the future of content regulation in India and influence how similar cases are handled in the judicial system.
The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for how freedom of expression is balanced with legal accountability in the rapidly evolving digital age.
Image sources
image posted on X by @AshwiniRoopesh
