The Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed the criminal proceedings against YouTuber Elvish Yadav alias Siddharth, who was accused of organising rave parties where foreigners were invited and snake venom was used as a recreational drug.
The Bench of Justice MM Sundresh and Justice NK Singh further sought response from the State of Uttar Pradesh on Yadav’s petition challenging criminal proceedings against him under the Wild Life (Protection) Act and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The Counsel representing Yadav argued that provisions of the NDPS Act were not made out in the case.
Yadav was also accused of using snakes in his videos.
In May 2025, the Allahabad High Court had declined to quash the proceedings against Yadav, who had argued that a competent officer had not lodged a complaint under the Wild Life (Protection) Act.
The YouTuber further submitted that provisions of the NDPS Act had been invoked to sensationalise the case since Yadav was an influencer and appeared on reality shows.
The High Court, however, held that the popularity of a person could not form basis for extension of protection. As per law of the land, each and every person, irrespective of popularity or personality, was equal in the eye of law, noted the High Court.
The YouTuber then moved the Apex Court, which stayed trial Court proceedings against him today.
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