A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi noted their presence and instructed them to submit their replies to the petition within two weeks. The court warned that no further extensions would be given and that their absence at the next hearing would be taken seriously
Samay Raina appeared before the Supreme Court on Tuesday. File Pic
Five social media influencers, including comedian and “India's Got Latent” host Samay Raina, appeared before the Supreme Court on Tuesday, reported PTI.
They are facing legal action for allegedly making fun of people with disabilities, including those suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and blindness, according to the PTI.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi noted their presence and instructed them to submit their replies to the petition within two weeks.
The court warned that no further extensions would be given and that their absence at the next hearing would be taken seriously.
One of the influencers, Sonali Thakkar (also known as Sonali Aditya Desai), was permitted to appear virtually due to health reasons.
The court also involved Attorney General R Venkataramani, asking him to prepare social media guidelines that protect freedom of speech while respecting the rights and dignity of others. Venkataramani said the issue needed deeper legal consideration, especially regarding enforceability.
Justice Kant noted, “Article 19, which grants freedom of speech, cannot override Article 21, which protects the right to life and dignity.” He added that the court would ensure any future guidelines are constitutionally sound and not open to misuse, as per the PTI.
The petition was filed by NGO Cure SMA Foundation of India, which raised concerns over mocking disabled individuals. The court recognised the issue as serious and aimed to set an example for future conduct, according to the PTI.
In May, the court had ordered the five influencers to appear in person or face coercive action, after the petition highlighted offensive remarks made on a YouTube show. The court had called their behaviour “damaging” and “demoralising”, stating that serious remedial and punitive measures were necessary.
Besides Samay Raina, others asked to appear included Vipul Goyal, Balraj Paramjeet Singh Ghai, Sonali Thakkar, and Nishant Jagdish Tanwar, the news agency reported.
Raina is already facing cases filed by Maharashtra and Assam Police for comments made on his show alongside podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia. The court earlier granted interim protection from arrest to Allahbadia but criticised his statements as “vulgar” and shameful.
Other comedians named in related complaints in Assam include Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, and Apoorva Makhija.
(with PTI inputs)
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