The Supreme Court on Friday, August 14, 2026, quashed the criminal proceedings against comedian and YouTuber Samay Raina and four other comedians in connection with insensitive remarks concerning persons with disabilities made in the India’s Got Latent controversy.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana passed the order while hearing the plea filed by the Cure SMA Foundation of India. The case also raises wider questions concerning safeguards against online content that may humiliate persons with disabilities. The proceedings were earlier monitored by the Court through a series of directions.
Background of the Case
The controversy arose from remarks made during content associated with India’s Got Latent. The Cure SMA Foundation of India approached the Supreme Court seeking, among other things, safeguards against online content affecting the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities.
The five comedians covered by the present order were Samay Raina, Vipul Goyal, Balraj Paramjeet Singh Ghai, Sonali Thakkar and Nishant Jagadish Tanwar.
Earlier, the Court had required them to undertake programmes aimed at raising awareness and funds for persons with disabilities, particularly those affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). The Court had also stressed the importance of meaningful engagement with the concerned community.
Court Takes Note of Compliance Efforts
During the latest hearing, the Bench took note of the steps subsequently undertaken by the comedians, including a chess tournament for persons with disabilities and proposed fundraising programmes.
The Court also noted that constructive discussions had taken place between the respondents and the petitioner foundation regarding future programmes and participation of persons affected by SMA.
Appreciating these efforts, the Bench observed,
“They are very bright youngsters. If they have started working in positive direction, there will be positive output.”
The Court further recorded that the respondents had expressed willingness to continue seeking guidance from the foundation while organising programmes intended to promote awareness and dignity.
Supreme Court’s Decision
After considering the compliance placed before it, the Supreme Court concluded that the respondents had made genuine efforts to follow its earlier directions.
The Court accordingly quashed the criminal proceedings against respondents 6 to 10 and set aside all connected proceedings.
However, the Court did not close the larger issue raised by the petition. It decided to keep the matter pending for considering suggestions from persons with disabilities and for framing appropriate directions concerning safeguards against content that may result in their humiliation.
The Court thus brought the criminal proceedings against the five comedians to an end while keeping the broader regulatory issue before it.
Case Details
Case Title: M/s. Cure SMA Foundation of India v. Union of India & Ors.
Case Number: W.P.(C) No. 460/2025
Judge: CJI Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana
Decision Date: August 14, 2026
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