The Supreme Court on Tuesday (14 July) imposed costs of ₹3 lakh each on comedian and YouTuber Samay Raina and four other comedians after finding that they had failed to comply with directions issued in proceedings concerning insensitive remarks about persons with disabilities. The Court said the earlier assurances given before it had not been honoured and warned that continued non-compliance would invite stricter consequences.
Background of the Case
The matter arose from a petition filed by Cure SMA Foundation of India, which alleged that comments made during the show India's Got Latent were offensive and undermined the dignity of persons with disabilities, particularly those affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
While hearing the case earlier, the Supreme Court had directed the comedians to organise awareness and fundraising programmes for persons with disabilities and to actively involve specially abled individuals in those events. The Court had treated these directions as an opportunity to promote awareness rather than as a punishment.
During the latest hearing, the petitioner informed the Bench that Samay Raina had neither contacted the Foundation nor invited persons with disabilities to participate in his shows, despite the Court's previous directions.
Court's Observations
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana expressed strong dissatisfaction over what it described as a clear violation of the Court's orders.
Passing the order, the Bench observed,
"As an artist you are in public life. In public life, the more you respect others, the greater the respect you earn."
The Court also noted that the situation became more serious because it was claimed that a compliance affidavit had been filed, whereas no such affidavit was available on the judicial record.
During the hearing, the Bench questioned why persons with disabilities had not been invited to participate in the programmes as directed. Justice Joymalya Bagchi remarked that merely raising money could not replace meaningful participation by those whom the Court intended to benefit.
Chief Justice Surya Kant also reminded the comedians that public figures carry greater responsibility, observing,
"As an artist you are in public life. In public life, the more you respect others, the greater the respect you earn."
The Court further cautioned,
"If you don't know how to mend your ways or respect the sentiments of society members, then you have to face consequences."
Court's Decision
After hearing all sides, the Supreme Court imposed costs of ₹3 lakh each on Samay Raina and four other comedians. The amount has been directed to be deposited within two weeks.
The Bench also ordered the comedians to comply with its earlier directions relating to awareness programmes and participation of persons with disabilities.
Warning of stricter action in case of further non-compliance, the Court stated that failure to follow its directions could result in the costs being increased to ₹30 lakh.
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