The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) is set to issue a show cause notice to popular comedian and YouTuber Samay Raina for allegedly hosting “obscene” content on his show India’s Got Latent (IGL). The move comes after a recent episode of the YouTube series sparked widespread outrage over remarks made by guest Ranveer Allahbadia, who made explicit comments about the sexual and intimate relationships of one of the contestants and his parents.
The controversy gained traction after the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) intervened, directing YouTube to remove the video containing Allahbadia’s remarks. The NHRC acted on a complaint filed by Yogendra Singh Thakur, who alleged that the episode contained “highly objectionable, inappropriate, and obscene remarks about Indian society.” The commission emphasized that such content, accessible on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, poses a serious threat to the dignity, safety, and mental well-being of women and children.
Netizens have since flooded social media with criticism, labeling the show and its participants as “vulgar,” “perverted,” and “inappropriate.” The backlash has intensified calls for stricter regulation of digital content, particularly on platforms like YouTube, which have become increasingly popular for hosting unscripted and uncensored shows.
A source close to the matter revealed that the MIB has taken cognizance of the issue and will soon issue a notice to Samay Raina, demanding the removal of the controversial content from his channel. The ministry’s action aligns with its recent efforts to curb obscenity and vulgarity on digital platforms.
This incident comes amid growing concerns over the regulation of Over-The-Top (OTT) content in India. Recently, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology held discussions with industry stakeholders, including the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA), and the Motion Picture Association (MPA), to address challenges related to explicit and inappropriate content on streaming platforms. The committee, chaired by Nishikant Dubey, included prominent MPs such as Priyanka Chaturvedi, S. Niranjan Reddy, and Karthikeya Sharma.
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Earlier this year, the MIB cracked down on 18 OTT platforms, including Neufliks, X Prime, and Mood X, for publishing obscene and pornographic content. The government also blocked 19 websites, 10 apps, and 57 social media accounts associated with these platforms.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also weighed in on the controversy, condemning the content and calling for action against those responsible. “This is absolutely wrong, and action should be taken against them,” Fadnavis stated. He added, “Everyone has freedom of speech, but our freedom ends when we encroach upon the freedom of others. In our society, we have set certain rules—if someone violates them, it is absolutely wrong.”
As the debate over digital content regulation intensifies, the MIB’s notice to Samay Raina underscores the government’s commitment to curbing obscenity and ensuring accountability on online platforms. The incident also highlights the growing tension between creative freedom and societal norms in India’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
For now, all eyes are on Samay Raina’s response to the show cause notice and whether this controversy will lead to broader changes in how digital content is monitored and regulated in the country.
