India’s top court has issued a reality check to popular YouTuber Elvish Yadav over his recent video involving snakes. In a sharp hearing today, Supreme Court judges told his lawyer, “You can’t do whatever you want.” The scrutiny was focused on the snakes shown in one of his music videos. This is a major development in the ongoing Elvish Yadav snake venom saga that has kept fans and critics hooked for years. The bench called the snakes inocent victims, emphasizing that wildlife rules in India are strict. Playing with wild animals, even for a short video shoot, is not allowed. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown so you get the full picture.
SC Questions Elvish Yadav on Viral Snake Video
The courtroom was tense as Justices MM Sundresh and N Kotiswar Singh led the hearing. Elvish’s senior lawyer, Mukta Gupta, stated that proper permissions had been obtained, and the snakes were healthy, non-poisonous, checked by vets, and released after filming. The video was part of a Faizal Puriya song where Elvish made a guest appearance. The judges remained unconvinced, emphasizing that spotting or handling snakes requires notifying wildlife authorities and cannot be done for content. They stressed that permission does not allow venom extraction or rough handling. This follows a 2024 Gurugram court order and an FIR filed under the Wildlife Protection Act, prompting the Supreme Court to ask Uttar Pradesh officials to verify all permissions.
Supreme Court Questions Elvish Yadav Over Alleged Use of Snakes in Video Shoothttps://t.co/7WYxJLo94Q#ElvishYadav #SupremeCourt #WildlifeProtectionAct #IndiaNews #CourtHearing #NewsLive
— NEWS LIVE (@NewsLiveGhy) February 18, 2026
Snake Safety and Wildlife Laws Explained
Most snakes in India are protected under Schedules I and II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, including cobras and vipers. Touching or filming them requires forest department permission. Venom is restricted to medical use, such as antivenom production. Social media stunts or party tricks with snakes are strictly prohibited.
Snakes play a critical role in ecosystems by controlling rodent populations. Even if the nine snakes in Elvish’s video were safe, the court emphasized the need for proof. The message to influencers is clear: likes don’t outweigh laws.
Elvish Yadav Snake Venom Case Timeline
- March 2024: FIR filed after NGO People for Animals claimed Elvish linked them to venom suppliers for parties. Five arrests followed. Elvish denied involvement and got bail.
- May 2025: Allahabad High Court refused to quash the FIR.
- August 2025: SC paused trial court proceedings and issued a notice to the UP government.
- November 2025: UP government alleged venom had been converted into pills.
- February 2026: SC focuses solely on the video with snakes, not rave-related allegations.
Elvish’s over 12 million YouTube subscribers reacted online, while animal rights groups praised the SC’s firm stance.
What Happens Next in Elvish Yadav Supreme Court Hearing
The UP government has been asked to verify the permissions for the snakes. Did the approval cover handling or venom? The Supreme Court made it clear that the current focus is only on snake use, not other allegations. The hearing will continue, which could extend trial stays or move toward framing charges. Elvish remains free, but the legal scrutiny is ongoing. If content creators want animals in their videos Secure approval from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) or forest department. Permissions for wild species are rare, and many influencers now use CGI for safer, legal alternatives.
Other Articles to Read:
- Alia Bhatt Confirmed as Presenter for 79th BAFTA Awards in London
- Tom Noonan Dead at 74: A Look Back at His Unforgettable Film Career
- How Galgotias Students “Built” a Chinese Robodog in Just 12 Days!
- Salman Khan’s 'Ready' Co-Star Pravina Deshpande No More at 60
- Winter Olympics 2026: Slopestyle Final Rescheduled — New Time Announced
- Allu Arjun’s AA23 Theme Hits 1 Million Reels Before Shoot Begins
Hidden Dangers: Snake Venom Parties Exposed
Venom is sometimes misused in parties for risky highs, but it can cause seizures, organ failure, or death. Past incidents in Gujarat (2023) and Delhi (2024) have shown the dangers. Elvish’s case highlights how celebrity influence can increase demand and threaten wildlife. Vets note that even non-venomous snakes can suffer stress or death when mishandled. The Supreme Court’s reference to “voiceless” animals underscores the need to protect these creatures.
