On Tuesday, YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia’s lawyer, Abhinav Chandrachud, appeared before the Supreme Court to represent him in a plea seeking anticipatory bail and a consolidation of multiple FIRs. The petition sought protection from possible arrest by Guwahati Police. During the hearing, Chandrachud, the son of former CJI DY Chandrachud, raised the 2022 case involving ex-BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma.
Chandrachud argued that one of the accused in the case had been threatened with acid attacks, and he compared the situation to Nupur Sharma’s case, suggesting that her statement had been more severe. He also mentioned that a bounty had been placed on Ranveer Allahbadia’s tongue, with an offer of Rs 5 lakh for anyone who could cut it off.
This statement sparked backlash on social media, with some users criticizing Chandrachud for drawing a “false equivalence” between Sharma’s remarks and Allahbadia’s situation. One X user stated, “While pleading for bail, Abhinav dragged Nupur Sharma into the controversy and claimed her remarks were worse. This comparison is condemnable.”
The Supreme Court, while granting some relief to Allahbadia, strongly condemned his remarks made on the online show India’s Got Latent. Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh expressed disapproval, emphasizing the irresponsibility of Allahbadia’s behavior. The court stated that such actions reflect a lack of responsibility, especially when someone, due to their popularity, assumes they can make reckless statements without considering the societal impact.
Dr Chandrachud: one of the court accused are threatened with acid attacks. In nupur case statement was worse.
Justice Kant: that is okay. Threats are there everyday. State can take any action.
— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) February 18, 2025
Dr Chandrachud: one of the court accused are threatened with acid attacks. In nupur case statement was worse.
Justice Kant: that is okay. Threats are there everyday. State can take any action.
— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) February 18, 2025
The court also ruled that no further police cases should be filed against Allahbadia on this issue. However, it ordered him to surrender his passport to the police in Maharashtra’s Thane district and barred him from leaving the country without prior court approval. Additionally, Allahbadia is prohibited from participating in any further stand-up comedy or ‘roast’ shows until further notice.
While pleading for relief… Ranveer Allahabadia’s lawyer Abhinav Chandrachud dragged Nupur Sharma in this controversy out of nowhere and said her statements were far worse than Ranveer Allahabadia.
This false equivalence to get bail for Ranveer Allahabadia is condemnable. Nupur… pic.twitter.com/2E61lzvmfp
— Incognito (@Incognito_qfs) February 18, 2025
This case continues to stir public debate as social media users and legal experts weigh in on the actions of both Allahbadia and his lawyer.
