A viral video, a controversial joke or a political parody can quickly put a content creator under public and legal scrutiny. In India, creators have faced police complaints, FIRs, investigations and court proceedings over content that critics considered offensive, obscene or insensitive. The latest controversy involves Delhi-based influencer Amir Shokeen, whose viral video allegedly showed him making racial remarks against a young man from Tripura. Delhi Police arrested Shokeen on 22 October 2026, according to The Indian Express. The incident has renewed debate about accountability for online content and the consequences of turning sensitive issues into entertainment. Shokeen’s case is the latest in a longer history of creators facing legal scrutiny. Here are 10 notable instances, and what happened in each case.
1. Amir Shokeen: Alleged Racial Remarks Against a Youth From Tripura
Amir Shokeen came under fire after a viral video allegedly showed him mocking a young man from Tripura and making remarks about his ethnicity and appearance. The clip prompted widespread condemnation, including from Union minister Kiren Rijiju, who called for action.
Shokeen apologised and said the video was scripted as a joke. However, Delhi Police registered an FIR and arrested him on 22 October 2026. The incident has brought renewed attention to the racial stereotyping experienced by people from Northeast India. The allegations are under investigation, and the legal process must establish the facts.
2. Ranveer Allahbadia: The India’s Got Latent Controversy
In February 2025, podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia faced widespread backlash over a sexually explicit question he asked a contestant while appearing on comedian Samay Raina’s YouTube show India’s Got Latent. The remark triggered police complaints, FIRs and national debate about the boundaries of online entertainment.
The Supreme Court granted Allahbadia interim protection from arrest during the proceedings. In August 2026, it quashed the criminal proceedings against him and other creators in the case. The decision brought legal relief to those involved, although the controversy continued to fuel discussions about content moderation and responsibility in digital entertainment.
3. Samay Raina: Scrutiny Over His Comedy Show
As the host of India’s Got Latent, Samay Raina also faced legal scrutiny after controversial remarks made on the programme triggered complaints. The controversy expanded beyond Allahbadia’s question to include other comments made during episodes, including remarks concerning persons with disabilities.
In August 2026, the Supreme Court quashed the relevant criminal cases against Raina and several other participants. The case highlighted the legal and reputational risks that can arise when unscripted or provocative online entertainment reaches a mass audience.
4. Ashish Chanchlani: Named in the Same Legal Controversy
YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani was among the creators drawn into India’s Got Latent controversy. An FIR registered in Assam led to legal proceedings involving allegations of obscenity associated with the show.
Chanchlani approached the Supreme Court, which granted interim protection during the case. In August 2026, the court quashed the criminal proceedings against him and other creators in the matter. The outcome illustrates why an FIR or allegation should not be treated as proof of guilt, particularly when proceedings are later quashed by a court.
5. Kunal Kamra: A Political Joke About Eknath Shinde
Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra faced an FIR in 2025 over a parody performance in which he referred to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a “gaddar”, meaning traitor. The remark was interpreted as a reference to the political split in the Shiv Sena and triggered strong reactions.
In April 2025, the Bombay High Court protected Kamra from coercive action, including arrest, while allowing the investigation to continue. The case became part of a wider debate about political satire, freedom of expression and whether a joke about a public figure can lead to criminal proceedings.
Kamra had also faced contempt proceedings in 2020 over tweets criticising the Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail to television anchor Arnab Goswami. That episode raised separate questions about the limits of criticism directed at the judiciary.
6. Munawar Faruqui: Arrested Over Alleged Remarks About Religious Figures
Comedian Munawar Faruqui was arrested in Indore on 1 January 2021 following a complaint alleging that he had made objectionable remarks about Hindu deities during a comedy show. The case drew national attention and raised concerns about the use of criminal law in disputes over humour and religious sentiments.
Faruqui remained in custody for more than a month. On 5 February 2021, the Supreme Court granted him interim bail, noting concerns about the allegations and whether the required arrest procedure had been followed. The case became a significant example in discussions about free speech and the treatment of performers facing complaints over their material.
7. Pranit More: The ‘Rs 370 Biryani’ Remark
In June 2026, Maharashtra Cyber Police registered a case against comedian Pranit More and others following a controversy over remarks made during a stand-up performance. A clip featured a man discussing paying Rs 370 for biryani on a date and suggesting that he deserved something in return.
The clip triggered criticism after viewers objected to the discussion of the woman involved and the way her private experience was presented. The case raised questions about the treatment of women in comedy and the responsibility of performers when audience members make potentially harmful remarks on stage. The registration of a case, however, does not itself establish criminal guilt.
8. Aseem Trivedi: Cartoons That Led to Sedition Charges
Cartoonist and anti-corruption activist Aseem Trivedi was arrested in September 2012 over cartoons criticising corruption and political institutions. Some of his work depicted Parliament and the national emblem in provocative ways, leading to complaints that his cartoons insulted national symbols and constitutional institutions.
He faced sedition-related charges under the law as it stood at the time, prompting criticism from free-speech advocates. Human Rights Watch called for the charges to be dropped, arguing that the cartoons were political expression. The case became an important flashpoint in debates about whether satirical art should be treated as a criminal offence.
9. Tanmay Bhat: The Sachin Tendulkar and Lata Mangeshkar Spoof
In May 2016, comedian Tanmay Bhat posted a spoof video titled Sachin vs Lata Civil War, using a face-swap filter to imitate cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and singer Lata Mangeshkar.
The video attracted criticism from public figures and political groups, who considered it disrespectful. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena filed a complaint, and Mumbai Police began examining the matter. The controversy