"There Is Nothing Like A Fundamental Right On A Platter": Supreme Court Says Rights Come With Duties
|"In this country, there is nothing like a fundamental right on a platter. Fundamental rights come with duties, and unless people understand their duties, we know how to deal with such elements," Justice Kant asserted.
The Supreme Court today took a critical stance on the content aired in India’s Got Latent show while hearing YouTuber Ranveer Allahabadia’s (@BeerBicepsGuy) plea challenging multiple FIRs registered against him over his comments in the program.
The Bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice N.K. Singh expressed concern over the nature of the remarks made in the show, observing that even Allahabadia’s counsel, Advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, could not defend the language and expressions used.
"The fact that nobody, including Allahbadia's counsel (Mr. Abhinav), would also be able to defend the words chosen, expressions, and everything that was said in the show," the Bench noted.
Justice Kant stated, "We are confident and hopeful that the petitioner has realized his mistake and has some repentance. We also know that some brainless people are writing articles in his defense in the name of freedom of speech, but we know how to handle them."
The Court reiterated that fundamental rights are not absolute and must be exercised with corresponding duties. "In this country, there is nothing like a fundamental right on a platter. Fundamental rights come with duties, and unless people understand their duties, we know how to deal with such elements," Justice Kant asserted.
The Bench indicated that Allahabadia could continue operating The Ranveer Show on YouTube, provided he furnishes an undertaking that his content will adhere to moral and decency standards applicable to all age groups.
"If somebody wants to enjoy fundament right, this country gives a guarantee to enjoy, but the guarantee comes with a duty. So that guarantee will involve the right to perform that duty also. So, we know what kind of...we are quite hopeful and sure that he must have some repentance for what he has done. What about his own channel? With the undertaking that he will not use any kind of expression where the normal moral standard of the society...irrespective of the age group, can view it. Subject to maintaining such moral and decency standards, if he wants to run a program, there is no difficulty," Justice Surya Kant said.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta supported the Court’s concern over unregulated online content, remarking, "Something needs to be done; some kind of guidelines need to be laid down. We should not be competing with the vulgarity seen abroad. Our notions of morality differ from other countries. The difficulty is that in the USA, for example, the burning of the national flag is a fundamental right under the 1st Amendment; we have that as a criminal offense."
The Court acknowledged the need for a regulatory framework to govern digital content without resorting to censorship and is expected to deliberate further on potential guidelines in upcoming hearings.
Accordingly, the Apex Court will further deliberate on regulatory measures for online content while inviting stakeholder suggestions on potential guidelines. It also directed Allahbadia to join the investigation and imposed conditions on his digital content.
Cause Title: Ranveer Gautam Allahabadia v. Union of India [W.P.(Crl.) No. 83/2025; Diary No. 8375 / 2025]