India's Got Latent Row: Ashish Chanchlani Granted Interim Protection From Arrest in Assam Police FIR

The Gauhati High Court has granted interim anticipatory bail to YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani in connection with an FIR filed by Guwahati Police. The case pertains to alleged obscene and controversial remarks made on the show “India’s Got Latent.”

A bench of Justice Mridul Kumar Kalita ordered Chanchlani to appear before the investigating officer within 10 days. The final hearing is scheduled for March 7, 2025. The court also called for the case diary in the matter.

The relief comes on the same day that the Supreme Court granted interim protection from arrest to YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, also known as BeerBiceps, regarding similar controversial remarks. The FIRs against Allahbadia have been filed in Mumbai, Guwahati, and Jaipur.

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The complaint was filed by Alok Boruah. In the FIR filed by Assam Police on February 12, Chanchlani, Allahbadia, Samay Raina, and others face charges under multiple sections, including Section 79 for acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman, Section 95 for employing a child to commit an offense, Section 294 for obscene acts, and Section 67 of the IT Act. They are also charged under the Cinematograph Act 1952 and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.

Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has rescheduled hearings for Allahbadia and several other public figures, including Samay Raina, Apoorva Mukhija, and Ashish Chanchlani. The commission took the step after they failed to appear for their February 17 hearing. Many cited safety concerns, travel commitments, or logistical challenges.

Allahbadia, who reported receiving death threats, requested a three-week delay. The NCW moved his hearing to March 6, 2025. Mukhija, who also raised security concerns, was given the option to attend virtually on the same date.

The controversy erupted after host Samay Raina’s show sparked outrage. During the program, Allahbadia asked a contestant an unsettling question: “Would you rather watch your parents… or step in once to stop it forever?” The remark led to widespread criticism and legal scrutiny.