Moral Panic Over India’s Got Latent
A controversy erupted around the show India’s Got Latent, hosted by YouTuber Samay Raina.
The issue stemmed from crude comments made by YouTuber Ranveer Allahabadia, triggering reactions from Chief Ministers, a Parliamentary Committee, and even the Supreme Court.
The controversy highlights concerns about digital content, as the YouTubers have massive popularity, especially among the youth.
Legal View on Vulgarity and Obscenity
The Supreme Court ruled in Apoorva Arora v. Govt. of NCT of Delhi (2024) that coarse language doesn’t automatically make something obscene.
Allahabadia’s comments are seen as distasteful but not obscene under the law, which distinguishes between moral repugnancy and criminality.
The case suggests that public outrage over foul language should not eclipse constitutional principles regarding free speech.
Regulation and Censorship
Section 69A of the IT Act allows the government to block websites but doesn't explicitly include “decency and morality” as reasons.
Despite legal limits, the government has increased censorship, as seen with the blocking of websites and OTT content.
The controversy could lead to stronger government regulations, echoing past instances like the Tandav controversy, which led to the introduction of the Information Technology Rules.
Political Implications and Digital Censorship
The recent moral uproar is part of a broader trend towards more regulation of digital content, driven by political agendas.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s push for a Broadcasting Bill seeks to regulate online creators similarly to traditional broadcasters.
Political parties are pushing for digital censorship boards, aligning with the government's cultural nationalism and welfare-based populism.
Techno-Patrimonialism and Political Economy
The current situation reflects a shift in India's political economy where technology and direct benefits replace constitutional rights, a concept known as techno-patrimonialism.
This trend has led to the rise of digital censorship as a tool for political control, where online content is increasingly regulated in line with populist and nationalist agendas.
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