LegalVerdict – Supreme Court Cancels FIR Against YouTuber Elvish Yadav
LegalVerdict – The Supreme Court on Thursday set aside a First Information Report (FIR) and all related legal proceedings against YouTuber Elvish Yadav in connection with a 2023 snake venom case registered by the Uttar Pradesh Police.
Court Finds Procedural Lapses in Filing Complaint
A bench comprising Justices M M Sundresh and N Kotiswar Singh ruled that the case could not stand under the law due to a key procedural flaw. The court observed that the complaint filed under the Wildlife (Protection) Act was not submitted by an individual authorised to do so, making the foundation of the case legally unsustainable.
The judges emphasized that adherence to statutory requirements is essential in criminal proceedings, and any deviation from prescribed procedures can invalidate the case at its core.
IPC Charges Linked to Closed Gurugram Case
The court also addressed the charges brought under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). It noted that these allegations were based on an earlier FIR registered in Gurugram. Since a closure report had already been filed in that matter, the continuation of related charges against Yadav lacked merit.
This finding further weakened the prosecution’s case, as it relied on a prior investigation that had not resulted in actionable conclusions.
NDPS Act Provisions Deemed Inapplicable
In its detailed order, the bench examined the invocation of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. It clarified that the substance recovered during the investigation, described as anti-venom, does not fall under the list of prohibited substances specified in the Act’s schedule.
As a result, the application of NDPS provisions in this case was deemed inappropriate. The court reiterated that criminal statutes must be applied strictly within the framework defined by law.
Entire Proceedings Set Aside
Taking all factors into account, the Supreme Court quashed not only the FIR but also the chargesheet filed by the police and the cognisance order issued by the trial court. The ruling effectively brings an end to all legal proceedings against Yadav in this matter.
The court also referred to its earlier judgments, reinforcing the principle that cases lacking legal validity cannot be allowed to proceed.
Background of the Case
The case dates back to November 22, 2023, when an FIR was registered alleging the use of snake venom at a rave party in Noida. Elvish Yadav was arrested several months later, on March 17, 2024, in connection with the allegations.
According to the chargesheet, snake venom was allegedly used as a recreational substance at such gatherings, with claims that even foreign nationals were involved.
Legal Challenge and Interim Relief
Yadav had earlier approached the Allahabad High Court seeking to quash the chargesheet and trial court proceedings. However, the High Court declined to grant relief, describing the allegations as serious in nature.
Subsequently, the matter reached the Supreme Court, which in August last year had already granted an interim stay on trial court proceedings. The final verdict now resolves the issue in Yadav’s favour.
Defence Arguments Highlight Lack of Evidence
During earlier hearings, Yadav’s legal counsel argued that no snakes, narcotic substances, or psychotropic materials were recovered from him. The defence also pointed out the absence of any direct link between Yadav and the co-accused individuals.
Additionally, questions were raised about the credibility of the complainant, who was reportedly no longer serving as an animal welfare officer at the time of filing the FIR, despite presenting himself as one.
Public Attention Surrounding the Case
The case attracted widespread media coverage, partly due to Yadav’s public profile as a well-known digital content creator and reality television personality. His legal team had noted that his prominence contributed to heightened attention around the allegations.
With the Supreme Court’s ruling, the matter now concludes, underscoring the importance of procedural compliance and evidentiary standards in criminal investigations.