New Delhi: The controversy surrounding influencer and content creator Ranveer Allahbadia intensified following remarks he made in the recent episode of ‘India’s Got Latent’ (IGL). In response, Priyank Kanoongo, a member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has called on YouTube to remove the video in question.
In a letter addressed to Mira Chatt, Head of Public Policy at YouTube, Kanoongo criticised the roast show for containing offensive, inappropriate and vulgar content. He urged Chatt to take swift and decisive action to address the issue. Pointing out the ease with which children can access such content, Kanoongo emphasised the need to remove the episode or video of the roast show, hosted by Samay Raina, from the platform.
NHRC probes complaint
The NHRC’s intervention came after a complaint by Yogendra Singh Thakur, who expressed concerns about the show’s promotion of negativity, discriminatory views, cultural intolerance, and disrespect, particularly towards women and children. The complaint also accused the show of using the guise of free speech to spread obscenity, vulgarity, and misleading messages, ultimately contributing to the spread of a corrupt mindset in society.
In his letter to YouTube, Kanoongo directed the platform “to take urgent action to remove the concerned episode/videos from YouTube. Prior to the removal of such content, you are also required to submit details of the channel and the specific videos to the concerned police authorities where the FIR has been registered, for further necessary action.”
‘Multiple laws violated’
The letter also pointed out that the content in question seems to violate several legal provisions, including those under the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Information Technology (IT) Act, and other relevant laws. That apart, the NHRC stated that a report detailing the actions taken would be submitted to the commission within three days from the issuance of the letter.
