A recent episode of India’s Got Latent sparked outrage after judge Ranveer Allahbadia (BeerBiceps) posed a controversial question to a contestant:

“Would you rather watch your parents have sex daily or join them once to end it?”

The remark, deemed vulgar by critics, triggered a political and legal storm.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced an FIR against the show’s panel—including Allahbadia, comedian Samay Raina, Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, and Apoorva Mukhija—for “obscenity and explicit content.”

Legal Action Against Judges

YouTuber Mohak Mangal, a former World Bank analyst, condemned the FIR, calling it a “misstep.” On X (formerly Twitter), he argued legal action should only apply to speech inciting violence or hate: “Criticize or debate problematic content, but prosecution stifles free speech. In India, this liberty often seems reserved for politicians.”

Mohak Mangal’s Free Speech Critique

The controversy reached Parliament, with the Standing Committee on IT likely summoning Allahbadia. Lawmakers accused the episode of crossing ethical boundaries, escalating tensions around creative expression and censorship.

Parliament Steps In

While some demand accountability for offensive content, others warn against legal overreach. Mangal’s stance highlights growing concerns over selective enforcement of free speech laws, particularly targeting public figures outside politics.

Free Speech vs. Accountability

As authorities investigate and debates rage online, the incident raises critical questions: Where should India draw the line between creative freedom and societal norms? And who gets to decide?

What’s Next?