India’s Got Latent Controversy: Government Issues Advisory for Social Media, OTT Platforms to Follow Code of Ethics
India’s Got Latent Controversy: Government Issues Advisory for Social Media, OTT Platforms to Follow Code of Ethics
New Delhi – Amid the controversy surrounding ‘India’s Got Latent,’ the government has issued an advisory for social media platforms and OTT channels, directing them to adhere to Indian laws and the Code of Ethics prescribed under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
Government Cracks Down on Obscene Content Online
The advisory comes in response to complaints regarding the alleged spread of obscene, pornographic, and vulgar content by certain digital content creators. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting emphasized that OTT platforms must ensure compliance with legal guidelines and implement age-based content classification. Social media platforms have also been urged to introduce access control mechanisms for ‘A’ rated content to prevent children from viewing inappropriate material.
The notification further stated that OTT self-regulatory bodies are responsible for overseeing compliance with the Code of Ethics. Additionally, it referenced laws such as the Indecent Representation of Women Act, 1986, Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), 2023, POCSO Act, and the IT Act, 2000, which criminalize the publication of obscene content.
Supreme Court’s Take on Ranveer Allahbadia Controversy
The controversy erupted after podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, during an episode of comedian Samay Raina’s show ‘India’s Got Latent’ on YouTube, made an inappropriate remark that sparked public outrage. Following complaints, the government ordered the episode’s removal.
During a hearing on Tuesday, the Supreme Court questioned the government’s stance on regulating obscene content on platforms like YouTube. A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh remarked that content creators were exploiting the lack of regulation.
While granting interim relief by staying Allahbadia’s arrest, the court made strong observations, calling his remarks “perverted.” Justice Kant stated, “If this is not obscenity, then what is? There is something very dirty in his mind, which has been vomited by him in the program.” The court, however, directed him to cooperate with the investigation and barred him from participating in similar shows for now. Allahbadia has also been instructed to submit his passport and seek court permission before traveling abroad.
What Sparked the Outrage?
The controversy began when Allahbadia, acting as a judge on the show, asked a contestant an inappropriate question involving their parents. Fellow comedians Samay Raina and Apoorva Mukhija were seen laughing and using abusive language throughout the episode, which triggered backlash from netizens. Viewers condemned the content, accusing the creators of promoting vulgarity under the guise of entertainment.
