Abhinav Chandrachud, a seasoned advocate at the Bombay High Court, has found himself in the national spotlight after representing YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia in the Supreme Court. His sharp legal acumen and firm stance on legal ethics have sparked widespread discussions about free speech, legal accountability, and the limits of online content.
Despite his defense of Allahbadia’s petition to club multiple FIRs, Chandrachud made it clear that he found the YouTuber’s remarks on India’s Got Latent to be “personally disgusting.”
“As an officer of the court, I personally am disgusted by what the petitioner has said, but whether it rises to the level of a criminal offence is another question.”
This statement, balancing legal defense with ethical responsibility, has fueled debates about free expression vs. content accountability in the digital age.
Supreme Court vs. Ranveer Allahbadia: Chandrachud’s Role in the Case
The Supreme Court’s hearing on Ranveer Allahbadia’s case was heated, with the bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh strongly condemning the YouTuber’s obscene remarks.
“There is something very dirty in his mind, which has been vomited by him in the program.” – Supreme Court
While the court granted interim relief to Allahbadia, it made clear that his statements were unacceptable.
Chandrachud, meanwhile, faced tough questions from the bench about his stance on the remarks. His response was measured:
✔ Acknowledged the inappropriateness of Allahbadia’s comments. ✔ Argued against multiple FIRs, stating that the second FIR constitutes an “abuse of process.” ✔ Highlighted threats against Allahbadia and his family, including a ₹5 lakh bounty for cutting his tongue, allegedly made by a former WWE wrestler. ✔ Raised concerns over vigilante justice, citing that Allahbadia’s mother was being harassed at her clinic.
His arguments centered around ensuring due legal process, even when the accused’s actions are morally and socially condemned.
A Legacy of Legal Excellence: The Chandrachud Family Influence
Abhinav Chandrachud is no stranger to the judicial world. He belongs to one of India’s most distinguished legal families:
- Father: DY Chandrachud – Former Chief Justice of India (CJI). However, Abhinav never presented a case in the Supreme Court during his father’s tenure.
- Grandfather: Justice YV Chandrachud – India’s longest-serving Chief Justice.
Despite his legal lineage, Abhinav Chandrachud has built his own reputation based on merit, academic brilliance, and courtroom expertise.
Education & Career: A Scholar Turned Advocate
✔ Education:
- Undergraduate Law Degree – National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore.
- Master of Laws (LL.M.) – Stanford Law School, USA. His academic credentials and contributions are also highlighted on his Stanford Law School profile.
✔ Legal Career:
- Advocate at the Bombay High Court.
- Associate Attorney at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, an international law firm.
- Formerly worked at AZB & Partners (2005-2008).
Chandrachud has a strong academic background and has contributed to legal literature through his well-regarded books on constitutional law and free speech.
Books & Thought Leadership
Abhinav Chandrachud is not just a lawyer but also an author and legal scholar. His books explore India’s legal landscape, freedom of speech, and judicial history:
📚 Republic of Rhetoric: Free Speech and the Constitution of India – A deep dive into free speech laws, censorship, and landmark cases in India.
📚 Supreme Whispers: Conversations with Judges of the Supreme Court of India – An insider’s account of the judiciary’s decision-making process.
His writings bridge the gap between academic legal theory and real-world courtroom battles, making him one of the most respected legal voices in India today.
The Bigger Debate: Where Does India Stand on Free Speech?
Abhinav Chandrachud’s handling of Ranveer Allahbadia’s case has reignited discussions on:
✅ The responsibility of influencers and public figures in a digital era.
✅ Legal boundaries of free speech – Where does criticism end and criminal offense begin?
✅ The role of the judiciary in setting precedents for digital content regulation.
✅ Whether multiple FIRs constitute harassment or legitimate accountability.
Final Thoughts: A Rising Legal Star in India’s Judiciary
With his sharp legal mind, ethical stance, and fearless representation, Abhinav Chandrachud has positioned himself as a leading advocate in India’s legal landscape. His ability to defend his clients while upholding constitutional principles makes him a lawyer to watch in the coming years.
As the case unfolds, MoneyOye.com will continue tracking developments surrounding Chandrachud’s legal battles and India’s evolving free speech laws.
Stay Updated & Join the Conversation
- Follow MoneyOye.com on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram for legal insights.
- Share this article with legal enthusiasts and social commentators.
- Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates on India’s judicial and legal affairs.
Trending Hashtags:
#AbhinavChandrachud #RanveerAllahbadiaCase #SupremeCourt #FreeSpeechDebate #IndianLaw #LegalEthics #MoneyOyeLegal
