On Monday, the Supreme Court heard YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia’s petition seeking the release of his passport, which has been withheld due to ongoing investigations in Maharashtra and Assam.

The Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh took up the matter. Senior Advocate Dr. Abhinav Chandrachud, appearing for Allahbadia, informed the Court that state authorities were earlier directed to apprise the Bench of the investigation's status.

He emphasized Allahbadia's full cooperation with the probe, stating, “Every time the petitioner is summoned, he is asked the same set of questions.”

Representing the State of Assam, counsel informed the Court that four statements had been recorded and that co-accused Apoorva Makhija had been summoned for the following day.

When the Bench inquired about developments in Maharashtra, Advocate Chandrachud cited media reports indicating that authorities claimed the chargesheet was ready and that Allahbadia was guilty. Justice Kant, however, clarified, “That is to be decided by the court.” The Maharashtra counsel confirmed that the chargesheet had not yet been filed.

Recalling previous proceedings, Chandrachud noted that Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta had assured the Court that investigations would be completed within two weeks. On the basis of this assurance, Allahbadia had deferred pressing for the release of his passport, which he argued is vital for his livelihood, particularly for international podcast interviews requiring travel.

The Court acknowledged Allahbadia’s cooperation and advised his counsel to carefully consider the allegations raised in a related application seeking to implead him. “Maybe instead of an application, a writ petition might be more effective,” suggested Justice Kant.

Solicitor General Mehta, who joined later, was asked by the Bench to clarify the status of both investigations. “Maharashtra says the chargesheet is ready to be filed. What is the status in Assam?” asked Justice Kant. SG Mehta responded that co-accused Apoorva Mukhija is scheduled to appear soon and assured the Court that the investigation would conclude by the end of the month, provided Allahbadia continues to cooperate.

Accordingly, the Court directed that the investigation concerning Allahbadia be completed expeditiously, so his passport application could be properly considered.

The Bench recorded in its order:

“Mr. Tushar Mehta, learned Solicitor General of India, representing the States of Maharashtra and Assam, states that the investigation in Maharashtra qua the petitioner (#RanveerAllahbadia) is complete and the chargesheet is ready to be filed. As regards the FIR in the State of Assam, we are informed that one of the co-accused is summoned for tomorrow. Let the learned SG have instructions confirming whether the investigation qua the petitioner (Ranveer Gautam Allahbadia) is complete and whether he is no longer required for the purpose of investigation.”

Justice Kant also remarked, “We want to know if any co-accused is not cooperating. Please let us know the names; we will do something.”

The Court scheduled the next hearing for Monday, April 28, and directed that the interim protection granted to Allahbadia will continue till then.

Background

On April 1, the Supreme Court had declined to release Allahbadia’s passport, stating the request would be considered only after the investigations were complete. At that time, the Court noted an undertaking filed by Allahbadia in which he pledged to maintain decency in his content and avoid discussing sub judice matters.

Allahbadia also submitted an affidavit stating that he had joined the investigation and fully cooperated with authorities. Taking note of SG Mehta’s assurance that the probe would be completed in two weeks, the Court had deferred consideration of the passport issue, stating that Allahbadia might still be required to participate in the investigation.

Earlier, the Court had permitted Allahbadia to resume broadcasting The Ranveer Show, subject to compliance with standards of decency and morality. The Bench acknowledged that the livelihoods of approximately 280 employees were linked to the podcast. As for his request to travel abroad, the Court maintained that such a plea would be considered only once he was no longer needed in the probe.