Abhinav Chandrachud Represents Ranveer Allahbadia in Supreme Court
Abhinav Chandrachud argues for BeerBiceps in high-profile India's Got Latent Case
The Supreme Court of India witnessed an unusual moment on Friday when Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna's bench convened to hear several cases, including the high-profile 'India's Got Latent' controversy involving YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, popularly known as 'BeerBiceps.'
The proceedings took an intriguing turn when the lawyer representing Mr. Allahbadia appeared before the court. His presence alone captured the attention of many, as he had not argued a case in the Supreme Court for the past eight years and six months. The lawyer in question was Abhinav Chandrachud, a Bombay High Court advocate and son of former CJI DY Chandrachud.
Who Is Abhinav Chandrachud?
Abhinav Chandrachud comes from a distinguished legal lineage, with his father, DY Chandrachud, having held the esteemed position of Chief Justice of India. His father was appointed Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court in May 2016 before ascending to the position of CJI. Despite this judicial legacy, Abhinav had refrained from presenting cases in the Supreme Court during his father’s tenure, a decision rooted in professional integrity.
In his farewell speech last year, retired Chief Justice DY Chandrachud recounted a personal anecdote about his two sons, Abhinav and Chintan. He had once invited them to appear in the Supreme Court, expressing his desire to see them argue cases before him. However, both sons declined the offer, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining ethical boundaries in their professional careers.
Abhinav Chandrachud's appearance in the Supreme Court marks a significant moment, not just for the ongoing 'India's Got Latent' case, but also for the legal fraternity, as he steps into a forum his father once presided over. His return to the Supreme Court underscores his independent legal career, distinguished from his father’s legacy, and adds an unexpected layer of intrigue to an already sensational case.
Latest Developments in the Case
During the proceedings, Abhinav Chandrachud argued that the charges against Ranveer Allahbadia were exaggerated and lacked substantial evidence. He contended that the content creator's work falls under the purview of creative expression and does not constitute any legal violations. The bench, led by CJI Sanjiv Khanna, posed pointed questions to the prosecution regarding the nature of the allegations and the extent of legal grounds for pursuing the case.
The Supreme Court has now directed the prosecution to submit additional documentary evidence supporting their claims within the next two weeks. Meanwhile, Allahbadia’s legal team is preparing a robust defense emphasizing constitutional protections for free speech and digital content creation. The next hearing has been scheduled for March 1, 2025, where further arguments are expected to shape the trajectory of the case.
With the case drawing significant media and legal attention, all eyes remain on the courtroom as further developments unfold.