Top court grants interim stay on charges linked to Wildlife Act and rave party allegations
What’s the Case About?
Popular YouTuber Elvish Yadav has received temporary relief from the Supreme Court, which on Wednesday ordered an interim stay on trial court proceedings against him in the sensational snake venom case.
Yadav is facing charges under the Wildlife Protection Act, Indian Penal Code (IPC), and NDPS Act for allegedly:
- Using snakes and snake venom in YouTube videos.
- Organizing rave parties involving foreigners.
- Allegedly providing snake venom and intoxicating substances at these events.
What Did the Supreme Court Say?
A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and Joymalya Bagchi issued a notice in response to Yadav’s petition, challenging:
- The chargesheet filed against him.
- The summoning order issued by a lower court.
- The May 12, 2025 decision of the Allahabad High Court, which had dismissed his plea.
The Supreme Court has also tagged this matter with a related plea by a complainant seeking protection, scheduled for hearing on August 29, 2025.
Arguments by Yadav’s Legal Team
Senior Advocate Mukta Gupta, appearing for Elvish Yadav, requested an interim stay, citing:
- The NDPS charges are not justified.
- Procedural lapses and non-compliance with mandatory legal provisions.
- The trial court was set to frame charges this Friday, hence urgent intervention was needed.
Background: Why Was Elvish Yadav Booked?
Yadav moved the Supreme Court after the Allahabad High Court refused to quash the charges against him.
Key allegations include:
- Filming YouTube videos involving live snakes and venom, violating wildlife laws.
- Hosting parties where foreigners were allegedly present.
- Distribution of snake venom and drugs during these events.
Earlier, Justice Saurabh Srivastava of the High Court had remarked that the FIR and chargesheet contain statements directly implicating Yadav. The truthfulness of those claims, however, would be determined during trial.
In Summary
- Supreme Court grants interim stay on criminal trial against Elvish Yadav.
- Charges include alleged use of snake venom in videos and rave party involvement.
- Supreme Court to hear linked protection plea on August 29.
- Yadav maintains that the NDPS charges are unfounded.
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