Supreme Court Reprimands Comedian Samay Raina and Others for Mocking Persons with Disabilities. Court Directs Apology and Center to Formulate Strict Guidelines. Need Expressed to Prevent Such Incidents in the Future.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has bly reprimanded social media influencer and renowned comedian Samay Raina, along with several other comedians, for mocking persons with disabilities. The Court clearly stated that such actions are not only insensitive but also send the wrong message to society. The Court ordered that all comedians must issue a public apology on their social media platforms.
This matter came to light during the hearing of a petition filed by the SMA Cure Foundation, which accused the comedians of making insensitive and derogatory comments against persons with disabilities.
Which Comedians' Names Appeared in the Petition?
In addition to Samay Raina, the SMA Cure Foundation's petition also included the names of Vipul Goyal, Balraj Paramjeet Singh Ghai, Sonali Thakker, and Nishant Jagdish Tanwar. They are accused of making statements in their stand-up shows and podcasts that hurt the dignity of persons with disabilities.
During the hearing, the Court clearly stated that mocking a person's physical disability sends the wrong message to society. Freedom of expression cannot be used to compromise someone's dignity.
Court Directs Central Government to Formulate Guidelines
The Supreme Court has also allowed the Central Government to become a party in this case. The Court directed the Attorney General to prepare guidelines that not only protect the rights of persons with disabilities but also ensure that no one's dignity or self-respect is harmed in the social media and entertainment industry.
The Court stated that these guidelines should be prepared after taking suggestions from the SMA Cure Foundation and other stakeholders. It was also clarified that these guidelines will be widely applicable, not just for one incident, but to prevent such incidents in the future.
Comedians Ordered to Apologize
During the hearing, the lawyers for the comedians assured the Court that all respondents would post a public apology on their YouTube channels and other social media platforms. In addition, based on the suggestion of the SMA Cure Foundation, these comedians will also file an affidavit to prove that they have fulfilled their promise.
Currently, the Court has excused them from personal appearance but warned that strict action may be taken if the order is not followed.
Appropriate Punishment and Fine to be Considered Later
The Supreme Court also stated that the decision on appropriate punishment or fines for these comedians will be taken in the next stage of the hearing. The Court made it clear that this matter will not be taken lightly because it is related to the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities.
