Ranveer Allahbadia Controversy: How Strict Are India's 'Obscenity' Laws? What Is The Punishment?

2025-02-13 03:17:34

(MENAFN- Live Mint) Ranveer Allahbadia controversy: YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, known as BeerBiceps, has faced backlash over his 'objectionable' remarks on comedian Samay Raina's now-deleted show, India's Got Latent. Raina deleted all India's Got Latent episodes from his YouTube channel on Wednesday, a day after Mumbai Police reached Ranveer Allahbadia's residence.

The Assam police's complaint against both Allahbadia and Raina, includes charges of 'obscene acts' under Section 296 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhit , 2023 (BNS).

Also Read | Ranveer Allahbadia Controversy News LIVE: Assam Police summons BeerBiceps

“Guwahati Crime Branch has registered a case vide Cyber PS case no 03/2025 under sections -79/95/294/296 of BNS 2023 read with Sec 67 of IT Act, 2000, read with Section 4/7 of Cinematograph Act 1952 read with Section 4/6 of ⁠Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 198. Investigation is currently underway,” said Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma in a post

In Maharashtra, the Cyber Police have invoked section 67 (transmission of obscene material in electronic form) of the Information Technology Act, among other sections, according to a report in The Indian Express.

Also Read | Ranveer Allahbadia controversy: Did BeerBiceps cry after facing backlash?

This is not the first time that a performance by a public figure has been labelled 'obscene'. Here is what the Indian laws say about the offence:

Which law covers obscenity in online content?

Section 294 of the BNS regulates the sale, distribution, and circulation of obscene materials. The section aims to protect public morality. A punishable offence under this section also includes the“display of any content in electronic form.”

Content that is lascivious or appeals to prurient interests and has the potential to corrupt or deprave those who interact with it is considered obscene, according to this section.

MENAFN13022025007365015876ID1109202023

Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.