Intro
Trouble continues for YouTuber and Bigg Boss OTT Season 2 winner Elvish Yadav.
This week, the Supreme Court of India strongly criticised the influencer while hearing his plea in the alleged snake venom case. The bench observed that allowing popular personalities to use “voiceless victims” like snakes could send a dangerous message to society.
The matter will now be taken up again on March 19.
What the Supreme Court Said
A bench comprising Justices MM Sundaresh and N Kotiswar Singh questioned Elvish Yadav’s alleged involvement under the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
During the hearing, the judges reportedly remarked that celebrities must be mindful of their influence. The court asked pointed questions about whether he had handled snakes and whether such actions would be permissible in places like zoos.
The bench emphasized that the focus of the proceedings is the complaint filed under the Wildlife (Protection) Act and whether the alleged use of snakes and venom amounts to a violation of the law.
The observations made in court have triggered fresh public attention around the case.
The Defence’s Argument
Senior advocate Mukta Gupta, appearing for Elvish Yadav, argued that he had attended the event merely as a guest for a video by singer Fazilpuria.
The defence maintained:
- There was no conclusive evidence of a rave party.
- No scheduled psychotropic substances were consumed.
- Medical reports indicated that the nine snakes examined were not poisonous.
- Elvish was allegedly not present at the specific location in question.
The legal team also reiterated earlier claims that no narcotics or prohibited substances were recovered from him.
The Prosecution’s Stand
Opposing counsel informed the court that police had rescued nine snakes — including five cobras — and recovered suspected snake venom allegedly used at rave gatherings.
The Supreme Court has now asked the state authorities to explain the process by which snake venom is extracted and allegedly used at such events.
The next hearing is scheduled for March 19.
Background of the Case
Elvish Yadav was initially booked in November 2023 in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, in connection with the alleged use of snake venom at a party. He was later arrested in March 2024.
Subsequently, trial court proceedings were stayed. In the High Court, his lawyers argued that the FIR attracted intense media attention partly because he is a well-known influencer and reality television personality.
Why the Case Matters
Beyond the individual allegations, the case raises broader concerns about wildlife protection, celebrity responsibility, and the influence public figures hold over young audiences.
The Supreme Court’s remarks underline a key point — popularity does not place anyone above environmental and wildlife laws.
Final Words
The legal battle is far from over for Elvish Yadav. With the Supreme Court taking a serious view of the matter, the upcoming hearing could prove crucial.
For now, the case stands at the intersection of celebrity culture, law, and wildlife protection — and all eyes will be on March 19.
