March 7, 2025: The Gauhati High Court on Friday confirmed the grant of anticipatory bail to popular YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani in connection with an FIR filed by Guwahati Police over alleged obscene and controversial remarks made in an episode of India’s Got Latent.

Justice Mridul Kumar Kalita, heading the bench, upheld Chanchlani’s plea, making his relief absolute. Earlier, on February 18, the court had granted him interim anticipatory bail, directing him to appear before the Investigating Officer within ten days.

Chanchlani had already moved the Supreme Court, seeking to quash or merge multiple FIRs lodged against him. On February 21, the apex court issued a notice regarding his petition.

The Assam Police had registered the FIR on February 12, invoking various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 79 (insulting the modesty of a woman), Section 95 (engaging a child to commit an offense), Section 294 (sale of obscene materials), and Section 296 (obscene acts and songs). Additionally, charges under the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, were also cited.

The case originated from a complaint filed by Alok Boruah, who accused Chanchlani and fellow content creators Jaspreet Singh, Apoorva Mukhija, Ranveer Allahbadia, Samay Raina, and others of promoting obscenity and engaging in explicit discussions on the show.

Senior Counsel Diganta Das, representing Chanchlani alongside advocates Joyraj Borah, Hiranya Kumar Nath, Apoorv Srivastava, and Avinash Lalwani, argued that their client was innocent. The defense maintained that the contentious remarks were made by guest panellist Ranveer Allahbadia and that Chanchlani had no role in editing or post-production. They further emphasized that he neither endorsed nor contributed to the remarks in question.

In a related development, the Supreme Court, on March 3, lifted the restriction imposed on co-accused Ranveer Allahbadia, allowing him to resume airing The Ranveer Show. However, the Court mandated that he furnish an undertaking ensuring his content adheres to standards of decency and morality, making it suitable for all age groups.

With the High Court's ruling in his favor, Chanchlani has secured a legal reprieve, but the case remains ongoing as legal proceedings continue.