“Latent” Fallout: Panel Seeks Rules To Curb Controversial Content

SUMMARY

During the parliamentary panel meeting, members called for amending existing laws to regulate content on social media and OTT streaming platforms

Voicing their concerns, members of the committee also called for “stringent measures to punish” Allahbadia and ensure that such an incident does not re-occur

This follows online furore over comments made by Allahbadia during “India’s Got Latent”, with Maharashtra Police also filing an FIR in connection with the case

Amid the ongoing controversy around podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia’s comments on a YouTube show, a parliamentary panel has reportedly directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to submit a “note” on amendments needed in existing laws to curb controversial content.

As per news agency PTI, the directions were issued during a meeting of the parliamentary standing committee on communications and IT, which was also attended by MIB secretary Sanjay Jaju and other senior ministry officials.

The report noted that members of the panel from different parties voiced concern over Allahbadia’s comments on the YouTube show. Putting up a united front, the members of the committee also called for “stringent measures to punish” Allahbadia and ensure that such an incident does not re-occur.

Citing sources, the report added that most attendees at the meeting called for amending existing laws to regulate content on social media and OTT streaming platforms. The members of the panel also also called for using extant laws to take action against influencers, like Allahbadia, airing controversial content.

Sources reportedly said that the committee later wrote a letter communication to secretary Jaju.

“… In the light of recent episode of controversy generated by the vulgar remarks of YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia in a YouTube short, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is requested to provide a brief note regarding the amendments required in all the laws (Act, Code, Guidelines, etc) related to media due to the emergence of new forms of technology and media platforms,” read the communication.

As per the report, the matter was raised by BJP MP Anil Baluni, Sasmit Patra of BJD and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi at the meeting.

This follows online furore over comments made by Allahbadia during comedian Samay Raina’s YouTube webseries “India’s Got Latent”. The aftermath saw the podcaster apologising and Raina deleting all episodes of the show.

Not just this, political leaders across the board panned Allahbadia for making the comments. The Mumbai Police has filed an FIR in connection with the case. As if this was not enough, the National Commission for Women (NCW) also summoned Allahbadia, Raina and other panelists on the show for a hearing on February 17.