14 July,2026 05:42 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Supreme Court said it had no reason to doubt that Raina had failed to honour the undertakings given before it. File Pic
The Supreme Court on Tuesday criticised comedian Samay Raina and YouTubers Ranveer Allahbadia and Ashish Chanchlani, describing them as "self-styled youth icons" while expressing concern over their alleged failure to comply with its earlier directions, reported the PTI.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana made the observations while hearing a petition related to remarks allegedly made about persons with disabilities and rare genetic disorders, the news agency reported.
The Bench was informed that Samay Raina had not invited persons with disabilities to participate in his shows, despite an earlier direction from the court.
Expressing dissatisfaction, the Supreme Court said it had no reason to doubt that Raina had failed to honour the undertakings given before it.
The judges also noted that although it was claimed a compliance affidavit had been filed, no such affidavit was available before the court, according to the PTI.
The Chief Justice remarked that it appeared some people believed they were beyond the reach of Indian courts while staying abroad, adding that such conduct reflected arrogance.
The case stems from a petition filed by Cure SMA India Foundation, which alleged that Raina made insensitive remarks about the high cost of treatment for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and mocked a person living with the condition, as per the PTI.
Senior advocate Aparajita Singh, appearing for the foundation, told the court that Samay Raina had not contacted the organisation to involve persons with disabilities in his programmes, despite the court's direction, the PTI reported.
The petition also referred to comments allegedly made by other social media influencers, including Vipun Goyal, Balraj Paramjeet Singh Ghai, Sonali Thakkar and Nishant Jagdish Tanwar.
The Supreme Court reiterated the need for stronger legal safeguards to protect the dignity of persons with disabilities.
It asked the Central Government to consider introducing legislation that would make derogatory remarks targeting persons with disabilities and those with rare genetic disorders a criminal offence, on the lines of protections available under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, according to the PTI.
As part of its earlier directions, the court instructed Samay Raina and the other comedians to organise two programmes every month highlighting the achievements and success stories of persons with disabilities.
The initiative is intended to raise awareness, promote inclusion and generate funds to support the treatment of people living with disabilities, particularly those affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
(with PTI inputs)
