Judges told to talk openly: Apoorva, Ashish reveal 'India's Got Latent' secrets to Mumbai police

The controversy surrounding the YouTube show "India's Got Latent" intensifies as police investigations and summonses from the National Commission for Women (NCW) target the show's creators and guests following allegations of obscenity and vulgar remarks. This case highlights the ongoing debate about freedom of expression versus responsible content creation, particularly in the digital age, and the legal ramifications of online content.

Assam Police Joins Investigation

A team from the Assam Police has arrived in Mumbai to investigate the "India's Got Latent" case, joining the Maharashtra Cyber Department, which had already registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the show. The Guwahati Crime Branch has filed an FIR against Ashish Chanchalani, Jaspreet Singh, Apoorva Mukhija, Ranveer Allahbadia, Samay Raina, and others for allegedly promoting obscenity and engaging in sexually explicit and vulgar discussions on the show. Senior officials of Assam Police confirmed that a team has left for Mumbai regarding the investigation against 'India's Got Latent' judges.

Statements Recorded, Summons Issued

Social media influencer Apoorva Makhija and YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani recorded their statements with the Mumbai police, stating that the show is not scripted and that judges and participants are encouraged to speak openly. They clarified that the judges are not paid, but they have the freedom to post the show's content on their social media accounts. Spectators buy tickets to attend the show, and the ticket sales revenue is awarded to the winner. The statements of four persons, including Makhija and Ranveer Allahbadia's manager, were recorded. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has summoned Ranveer Allahbadia, Samay Raina, Apoorva Makhija, Jaspreet Singh, Ashish Chanchlani, and the show's producers to appear before it on February 17 in New Delhi.

Political and Public Outcry

The controversy has drawn political attention, with Nilotpal Mrinal Pandey, a functionary of the Maharashtra BJP's Uttar Bhartiya Morcha, filing a complaint against Allahbadia and others. Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske raised the issue in Parliament, calling for a law to regulate social media content. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also expressed strong concern over the derogatory comments made on 'India's Got Latent' and summoned them on February .

What is India's Got Latent?

"India's Got Latent" is a show hosted by Samay Raina, featuring various content creators as guests. Ranveer Allahbadia, known for his YouTube channel "BeerBiceps," appeared on the show and made allegedly objectionable remarks that sparked widespread outrage. The show, known for its no-holds-barred humor, has faced criticism for going too far with its explicit content. Following the backlash, YouTube India removed the controversial episode of Samay Raina's show following Government of India's orders.