Bharat, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has resolved to transform itself into a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). However, Prime Minister Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’, rooted in the profound wisdom of ancient Bharat, transcends mere materialistic, scientific, and technological progress (i.e. Vikas) to encompass the preservation and celebration of our rich cultural heritage (i.e. Virasat). This heritage comprises values, virtues, elevated ideals, and the unbroken socio-cultural continuum, which has safeguarded India’s familial structure and social equilibrium despite centuries of invasions and colonial rule. In essence, a truly ‘Viksit Bharat’ must also be a ‘Sanskarit Bharat’ (a Bharat with exalted moral values). A truly developed Bharat will be one where material prosperity is complemented by strong ethical and moral values. It’s not without reasons that National Education Policy 2020, a landmark reform in modern education to transform Bharat into a ‘Viksit Bharat’, keeping in mind the needs, aspirations and challenges of 21st century, emphasises a lot on ‘character building’ of our students- children and youth. The very first page of the policy document, in fact, mentions, “Education must build character, enable learners to be ethical, rational, compassionate, and caring”. Unfortunately, Indian society—particularly our youth, in current times, is increasingly drifting towards a culture of moral decay and value erosion, a trend that rings alarm bells for our society. A stark example of this decadence is the recent vulgar and disgraceful remark made on a YouTube show, India’s Got Latent, which directly challenges the very foundation of the family system. If left unchecked, such value erosion and cultural decay could pose a serious threat to the very fabric of our society.
This controversy centres around a deeply objectionable and disgraceful remark made by a social media influencer and podcaster, Ranveer Allahbadia on India’s Got Latent, a comedy show. His remark—concerning the “intimate life of parents”, has sparked widespread outrage. Additionally, the crude and distasteful exchange between the show’s host, Samay Raina, and another participant, a woman, Apoorva Makija, crossed the boundaries of decency and ethical discourse. Although Ranveer later issued an apology, this issue cannot be dismissed lightly, as it goes beyond mere moral concerns. It poses a serious challenge to Bhartiya culture, social order, and even constitutional propriety.
It is commendable that Ranveer’s comment has been met with widespread condemnation on social media platforms along with mainstream media. Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has warned, rightly, that strict measures will be taken if ethical boundaries have been crossed. Meanwhile, Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi has directed the National Commission for Women (NCW) to issue a notice and demand an explanation. Journalists, academicians, artists, and political figures have also voiced their outrage.
The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has demanded strict action against the show and called for an outright ban on India’s Got Latent. Meanwhile, Maharashtra’s Cyber Crime Department has filed a FIR against Ranveer Allahbadia, Samay Raina, and other members of the show, while complaints have also been registered in Delhi, Assam and other parts of Bharat. To quote from the renowned sociologist Émile Durkheim, this incident has shaken the nation’s ‘Collective Consciousness’, uniting people across political divides in condemnation. This controversy has ignited a crucial debate about the limits and responsibilities of online content as the issue is not just about cultural and moral concerns but also about safeguarding India’s social fabric.
The Supreme Court of India, during the hearing, expressed a strong disapproval of Allahbadia’s remarks, describing them as ‘disgusting, filthy, and insulting’. One of the Justices remarked about Ranveer Allahbadia, “The words you have used will make daughters, sisters, parents, and even society feel ashamed. If this is not obscenity, what is it?”
Indeed, stand-up comedies, social media, and OTT platforms are currently increasingly resorting to obscenity and sensationalism to attract viewership and maximise revenues, crossing ethical and moral boundaries, often, in the process. Various Platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook and YouTube are now overflowing with indecent and vulgar content, rapidly influencing and trapping the minds of the younger generation.
What is even more alarming is that most of this content is a blatant imitation of Western culture and media, often disregarding the sanctity of family values and Bhartiya cultural and moral boundaries. Notably, the controversial remark that sparked outrage on India’s Got Latent was actually copied verbatim from a similar comment made on a foreign show, which Ranveer Allahbadia simply replicated.
It is well understood that Western societies function on a highly individualistic framework, often dismissing the traditional family values, moral boundaries and societal bonds that define our Bhartiya culture. In such societies, materialism and hedonism overshadow familial and societal bonds. Is that the path we want Bharat to take?
While the nation at large has rightfully condemned Ranveer Allahbadia’s comment, it is unfortunate that certain so-called liberal, woke, and Marxist intellectuals have been attempting to downplay the severity of the incident. Under immense public pressure, although, they have reluctantly acknowledged that Ranveer’s remarks were “not funny”, “inappropriate” or “not in good taste” but instead of outright condemnation or demanding accountability, they are hiding behind arguments of “dark humour” and “freedom of expression.”
One cannot ignore the fact that for years, there has been a deliberate effort to normalise obscenity and moral degradation in the name of being ‘cool’ or modern. Teenagers and young adults are falling into this trap at an alarming rate. The disturbing reality is that social media influencers who promote vulgarity and offensive content now have millions of followers, yet they demonstrate no sense of responsibility.
The greater concern is not just the acceptance of such obscene remarks but the fact that they are often celebrated and cheered. This is leading to a fundamental erosion of respect for parents, the sacred bond between siblings, and the overall harmony of Indian families. The Indian family system, which has long been the cornerstone of our social stability and cultural strength, is now under attack—either intentionally or due to negligence. This is not just a cultural crisis but a direct threat to India’s societal equilibrium.
Given that such content poses a direct threat to India’s societal stability, the time has come for stricter monitoring and regulation of digital content. It is imperative to set clear ethical boundaries to ensure that online platforms do not cross the threshold of decency and morality.
For those who invoke “freedom of expression” to defend such content, it is essential to remind that the Indian Constitution itself imposes reasonable restrictions on free speech under Article 19(2) in the interest of ‘decency and morality’ apart from other grounds. These restrictions primarily apply to obscenity, immorality, and content that violates public decorum.
The Supreme Court of India, in the Ranjan Dwivedi v. Union of India (2017) case, emphasised that while freedom of expression is a fundamental right, it must be balanced with public decency and morality. It ruled that content that offends social decorum and moral values can be restricted. These restrictions apply to films, literature, art, and social media alike. In fact, the Supreme Court has consistently ruled that while freedom of speech is essential, it must not be misused to promote hate speech, defamation, obscenity, or threats to public order.
The Supreme Court reiterated the same while hearing the current case against YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia. SC made strong observations about the responsibilities of digital content creators and the regulation of online content in India. The Court emphasised that freedom of speech does not grant unrestricted license to promote obscenity or content that degrades societal values. Justice Surya Kant, leading the bench, remarked, “Digital platforms are powerful tools of influence, and those who create content must exercise responsibility. The words used in the show are not just inappropriate but deeply offensive, bringing disgrace to societal norms and the dignity of individuals.” The Court further stressed, and rightly so, the urgent need for stricter regulations on online content to prevent the spread of material that undermines Indian culture, social harmony, and constitutional values. It observed that self-regulation by content creators has proven insufficient, and platforms must be held accountable for what they allow to be published. Additionally, the bench underscored that India’s constitutional framework ensures freedom of expression, but it must be balanced with public decency and morality. The Court warned that if such incidents continue unchecked, they could set a dangerous precedent, encouraging further degradation of ethical and social values.
Freedom of expression must not be misused to justify and advocate moral erosion and cultural decadence. Upholding family dignity and societal stability is crucial not only for Bharat’s socio-cultural existence but also for realizing the vision of a truly Viksit Bharat.
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