Court stays arrest of influencer couple in obscenity case till July 15

The Court of Additional Sessions Judge Ranjeev Vashisht has granted interim protection from arrest to social media influencer Ranjit Kaur, popularly known as "Bhabhi Chummewali", and her husband Jatinder Pal Singh in connection with an alleged obscenity case registered by Moti Nagar Police Station, Ludhiana.

The couple had approached the sessions court seeking anticipatory bail after an FIR was lodged against them under provisions of the Information Technology Act on allegations that certain videos uploaded on their social media platforms contained obscene and objectionable content.

The matter had attracted significant public attention due to the couple's substantial following on various social media platforms.

During the hearing, counsel for the petitioners, Advocate Harjot Singh Harikay, argued that the allegations levelled against the couple were false, baseless and motivated.

He submitted before the court that the petitioners are law-abiding citizens and have been unnecessarily targeted due to their popularity on social media.

It was further contended that no custodial interrogation of the petitioners was required as the entire case is based on digital content already available with the investigating agency.

The defence counsel maintained that the couple was willing to join the investigation whenever required and there was no possibility of them absconding or tampering with any evidence.

After considering the submissions, the court directed that the arrest of couple shall remain stayed till the next date of hearing. Notice was also issued to the State, and the investigating agency was directed to file its reply to the anticipatory bail petition.

The matter has now been adjourned to July 15, when the state will place its response before the court and the anticipatory bail plea of the couple is expected to be taken up for final consideration.

The interim relief granted by the court has come as a significant respite for the influencer couple amid the ongoing legal proceedings.