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Confused Judges... Guidance Needed, according to Shobhaa De

Young Indians embrace irreverent humor, as demonstrated by the growing popularity of roasts and comedy shows, with no restrictions or taboos on jokes about sacred cows

Lost and wandering, judges, Shobhaa De's plea for assistance from her beloved Oooyi Amma
Lost and wandering, judges, Shobhaa De's plea for assistance from her beloved Oooyi Amma

Confused Judges... Guidance Needed, according to Shobhaa De

In a recent turn of events, popular podcast host Ranveer Allahbadia finds himself at the centre of a heated debate, with his remark being labelled as vulgar and depraved by Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh. The controversy, which revolves around a joke involving "Maa Baap," has sparked discussions on freedom of expression and societal norms in India.

Meanwhile, Dilip Cherian, a renowned political analyst, has weighed in on the matter, focusing on the role of the State in regulating such expressions and the broader implications for freedom of speech.

The controversy has also shed light on the changing societal norms, particularly among the youth. This is not the first time such an incident has occurred, as evidenced by the suspension of two women, Jayanti Nath and Manjusha Pandey, for passing unsavoury comments about Nepal. Similarly, Ranveer Allahbadia's remark has been seen as a reflection of the evolving attitudes towards sensitive topics.

Interestingly, the use of biometrics, a technology that has become ubiquitous in India, has not been challenged in this context. Biometrics are widely accepted in various sectors, including airports, campuses, workplaces, and state universities, even for teaching and non-teaching staff. The use of biometrics by consulates and embassies for visa applications is also not a point of contention. This acceptance of biometrics could be seen as an indication of the growing acceptance of technology and surveillance in everyday life in India.

The controversy surrounding the "Beer Biceps" podcast has also led to arrests. Three staff members and two security personnel from KITT University in Bhubaneswar, where the incident occurred, have been taken into custody in connection with racist attacks on a Nepali student. The two "educated" women suspended from the university after making harsh comments about Nepal are named Surabhi and Anannya.

The student, a 20-year-old Nepali, passed away on the KITT campus, adding a tragic dimension to the incident. The case has raised concerns about the rising incidents of racism and the need for stricter measures to ensure the safety and dignity of all students.

In a separate development, Attorney-general R. Venkatramani and solicitor-general Tushar Mehta may be approached by the bench to regulate YouTube channels and social media. This move could potentially lead to greater oversight and regulation of online content, a topic that has been under discussion for some time.

Manish Tewari, a prominent political figure, found himself in the spotlight recently when a site created by a former Google employee analysed his personal information, including details about his buying habits and political leanings. Despite the invasion of privacy, Tewari appears to have made peace with the reality of zero privacy in India, stating that he is not afraid of AI. He was even impressed by the detailed and insightful analysis of his persona on the site.

In the face of these developments, the question of privacy and the boundaries of freedom of expression continue to be hotly debated in India. As technology advances and societal norms evolve, these issues are likely to remain at the forefront of public discourse.

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