India’s Got Latent is facing severe backlash after offensive remarks and jokes made on its latest members-only episode went viral on social media.
Comedian Samay Raina, YouTuber Ranveer Allahabdia (BeerBiceps), and others involved in the episode are facing criticism over their tasteless jokes.
Amid this controversy, AIB’s (All India Bakchod) lawyer, Karuna Nundy, took to social media to share lessons learned from a similar controversy involving AIB’s Knockout show in 2015.
Nundy Lists Six Lessons:
In response to the outrage over India’s Got Latent, Nundy highlighted parallels to the infamous AIB Knockout roast, which also sparked public anger due to offensive language and derogatory humor.
Nundy listed six key takeaways, stressing the importance of understanding the consequences of tasteless jokes.
1. The Life of Tasteless Jokes Is Short, but FIRs Are Long
Nundy pointed out that while the backlash to crude humor may be intense, the legal ramifications can last much longer, particularly when criminal complaints are filed.
2. Criminal Complaints Are Often About Getting Attention
She suggested that many complaints are filed for the sake of gaining attention, with people seizing the opportunity during a news cycle.
3. The Need for a More Proportional Response
Nundy criticized the broadness of obscenity laws, arguing that civil or IT law could offer a more suitable remedy instead of criminal actions, especially when the offenses are relatively mild or deeply tasteless.
4. Cognizable Offenses and Vulnerability to Arrest
She explained that once a cognizable offense is filed, individuals become vulnerable to arrest, regardless of the context or the media’s portrayal of the issue.
5. Urgency of Interim Relief
In cases where arrest seems likely, Nundy emphasized the need for quick legal relief and, if unsuccessful, the importance of anticipatory bail.
6. The Influence of Media Cycles on Legal Actions
Nundy noted that many legal actions, including FIRs, are a reaction to media coverage rather than an accurate reflection of the severity of the offense.
Meanwhile, as the controversy continues to unfold, the Maharashtra Cyber Cell has filed cases against 30-40 individuals connected to the show, including the creators and participants.
Notices have been issued, and statements will be recorded by the Cyber Cell as part of the investigation into the offensive remarks made on the episode.
