Court Takes Stern View of Derogatory Remarks
The Supreme Court of India has directed comedian Samay Raina—known for hosting India’s Got Latent—along with four other influencers, to personally appear in court. They must file responses within two weeks in a case based on allegations of mocking disabled individuals, including people with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and those with visual impairments.
Cure SMA Foundation’s Public Interest Petition
The case was brought forward by the Cure SMA Foundation, which filed a petition asserting that the influencers’ jokes went beyond humor and veered into demeaning and dehumanizing territory. The Foundation argues that such “disabling humour” conflicts with constitutional protections under Articles 14 and 21, and violates the spirit of the Rights of Persons with Disability Act.
Bench Slams ‘Damaging and Demoralising’ Speech
A bench led by Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh criticized the remarks, calling them “damaging” and “demoralising.” The court emphasized that freedom of expression does not include mockery at the expense of vulnerable communities, warning, “If there is such freedom, we will curtail it.” The bench also invited suggestions from the Attorney General on how to regulate online content related to disability.
Push for Preventive Guidelines
Asserting public interest protection over hurtful humor, the court indicated its willingness to frame formal guidelines for digital media, including penalties or corrective measures for insensitive content. It also asked the Mumbai Police Commissioner to ensure the influencers’ court appearance, cautioning against any delay that could trigger coercive action.