Obscene Videos Go Viral, Artists Get Banned : What Kind of Democracy Are We Becoming?
Ankita Rai | Mon, 02 Jun 2025
In today’s India, comedians and creators are penalized for satire, while questionable actions by political leaders often escape serious scrutiny. The contrast between the banning of India’s Got Latent and the viral video of a party leader engaging in inappropriate behavior reveals a troubling double standard. Morality seems selectively enforced—aimed at independent voices, not those in power. When art is censored but real misconduct is downplayed, the foundations of democracy weaken. It raises a pressing question: are we defending cultural values or simply protecting the privileged from accountability?
( Image credit : Pexels )
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By now, much of the country is aware of the viral video involving Madhya Pradesh BJP leader Manohar Lal Dhakad. The footage, reportedly showing him in a compromising act on the Delhi-Mumbai expressway, raises serious concerns—not just about individual conduct, but about the larger state of moral responsibility and accountability in Indian politics. In stark contrast, creators of the YouTube comedy show India’s Got Latent were blacklisted and their content pulled down for using adult humor intended for mature audiences. Comedians Ranveer Allahbadia, Samay Raina, and Apoorva Mukhija are facing consequences not for breaking laws, but for challenging cultural norms through satire. This contradiction points to a troubling pattern—where art is scrutinized more than actual misconduct.
One Viral Video, Two Realities
Consider the facts.
A politician appears in a video allegedly depicting inappropriate behavior. He dismisses it as AI-generated. Later, more footage surfaces of him dancing with the same woman, casting doubt on the earlier denial. Despite widespread public concern, official responses remain slow and evasive. Meanwhile, a comedy show is swiftly banned for content clearly marked as satirical and fictional. The creators are accused of corrupting values, even though viewers choose to consume this content voluntarily. The double standard is hard to ignore.
The Hypocrisy of Moral Policing
The deeper issue lies in how morality is selectively enforced. Comedians, artists, and independent voices are often held to higher standards than public servants. A joke or sketch results in outrage and censorship, while real incidents involving elected officials are brushed aside or hidden behind legal technicalities. Kunal Kamra, another comedian, is facing police summons and cancellation of shows not for inciting violence or hate, but for criticizing power structures. In India today, it seems that questioning authority invites more punishment than abusing it.
What Are We Normalizing?
What message are we sending to the next generation? That creativity is dangerous, but misconduct can be excused? That freedom of expression must be monitored, while public irresponsibility is negotiable? A discriminatory video from Bhopal, in which a gym owner stated that no Muslims would be allowed to train or provide training, briefly sparked outrage. Yet the incident quickly disappeared from the news cycle, despite public support from a sitting Member of Parliament. No decisive legal or political action followed. Silence in these moments is telling. Those who claim to protect Indian culture are conspicuously absent when those in power cross ethical boundaries.
A Call for Consistency and Accountability
This is not about defending comedians or condemning politicians indiscriminately. It is about demanding the same standards for everyone, regardless of status. In a functioning democracy, accountability should not depend on political affiliation or public image. If satire is offensive, then public misconduct must also be unacceptable. If creators are penalized for jokes, then those in power must face consequences for real actions. India deserves a democracy where both expression and behavior are treated with fairness. Until then, the greatest threat to our cultural values is not entertainment—it is the inconsistency with which we uphold them.
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One Viral Video, Two Realities
protest
( Image credit : Pexels )
Consider the facts.
A politician appears in a video allegedly depicting inappropriate behavior. He dismisses it as AI-generated. Later, more footage surfaces of him dancing with the same woman, casting doubt on the earlier denial. Despite widespread public concern, official responses remain slow and evasive. Meanwhile, a comedy show is swiftly banned for content clearly marked as satirical and fictional. The creators are accused of corrupting values, even though viewers choose to consume this content voluntarily. The double standard is hard to ignore.
The Hypocrisy of Moral Policing
Picture credit : Instagram
The deeper issue lies in how morality is selectively enforced. Comedians, artists, and independent voices are often held to higher standards than public servants. A joke or sketch results in outrage and censorship, while real incidents involving elected officials are brushed aside or hidden behind legal technicalities. Kunal Kamra, another comedian, is facing police summons and cancellation of shows not for inciting violence or hate, but for criticizing power structures. In India today, it seems that questioning authority invites more punishment than abusing it.
What Are We Normalizing?
Parliament (Picture credit: Instagram)
What message are we sending to the next generation? That creativity is dangerous, but misconduct can be excused? That freedom of expression must be monitored, while public irresponsibility is negotiable? A discriminatory video from Bhopal, in which a gym owner stated that no Muslims would be allowed to train or provide training, briefly sparked outrage. Yet the incident quickly disappeared from the news cycle, despite public support from a sitting Member of Parliament. No decisive legal or political action followed. Silence in these moments is telling. Those who claim to protect Indian culture are conspicuously absent when those in power cross ethical boundaries.
A Call for Consistency and Accountability
Political rally (Picture credit: Instagram)
This is not about defending comedians or condemning politicians indiscriminately. It is about demanding the same standards for everyone, regardless of status. In a functioning democracy, accountability should not depend on political affiliation or public image. If satire is offensive, then public misconduct must also be unacceptable. If creators are penalized for jokes, then those in power must face consequences for real actions. India deserves a democracy where both expression and behavior are treated with fairness. Until then, the greatest threat to our cultural values is not entertainment—it is the inconsistency with which we uphold them.
Unlock insightful tips and inspiration on personal growth, productivity, and well-being. Stay motivated and updated with the latest at My Life XP.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why was the comedy show India’s Got Latent banned?It was banned due to complaints about its adult humor allegedly hurting cultural values.
- What was the controversy involving Madhya Pradesh leader Manohar Lal Dhakad?He was caught on video engaging in inappropriate behavior on a public highway, which went viral.
- How does this situation reflect on freedom of expression in India?It highlights selective enforcement where creators face censorship while political misconduct often goes unpunished.
