The Supreme Court on Thursday directed stand-up comedian and YouTuber Samay Raina, along with four other comedians, to create and stream special shows that highlight the achievements of persons with disabilities to help generate money for the quick and proper treatment of people with disabilities.
SC Steps In After Complaint By Cure SMA Foundation
A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued the order while hearing a petition filed by the Cure SMA Foundation. The organisation had sought action against the comedians over remarks in one of their shows that were deemed insensitive towards people with disabilities.
Comedians Asked To Host Two Awareness Shows Every Month
As per the court’s directive, Raina and fellow comedians Vipul Goyal, Balraj Paramjeet Singh Ghai, Sonali Thakkar, and Nishant Jagadish Tanwar must host these awareness-driven shows at least twice a month.
SC Suggests Featuring Stories Of Differently-Abled Individuals
The bench also suggested inviting differently-abled guests to share their life stories, hoping their experiences would inspire audiences and promote inclusion.
The court said this outreach would not only benefit patients requiring costly medical care but also foster empathy and respect for persons with disabilities.
"We leave it to respondents 6 to 10 to persuade and invite the specially abled persons on their platforms to promote the cause of generating funds to provide timely treatment to specially abled including those suffering from SMA. We are confident that if respondent 6 to 10 show sincerity about showing their achievements.. they will also come on the platform for wider publicity of their cause. We hope and expect that such few memorable events will take place before we hear matter the next date. Let such two programs be held twice a month," Bar and Bench quoted the Court as saying.
Controversial Episode Triggered Backlash
The controversy dates back several months, following criticism of an episode from Raina’s YouTube series India’s Got Latent, which allegedly mocked individuals with disabilities and rare disorders.
Video Removed; Court Hopes For Responsible Content Ahead
The contentious video has since been taken down. The court expressed hope that the comedians would now channel their creativity toward a more compassionate and socially meaningful purpose.
