The Supreme Court of India has taken an unusually strong stance against comedian Samay Raina and four other performers after videos from Raina’s YouTube show
India’s Got Latent were found mocking specially-abled individuals, including blind and cross-eyed persons and even an infant suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

What began as online outrage has now turned into a landmark corrective action, with the Court directing the comedians to raise funds for the treatment of disabled persons, feature their success stories, and invite SMA patients onto their platforms.



This move marks one of the most decisive interventions by the judiciary in recent years regarding insensitive digital content, shifting the conversation from “freedom of expression” to “responsibility in influence.” 1. Why the Supreme Court Stepped In

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The controversy began when two videos from
India’s Got Latent surfaced earlier this year, showing Raina joking about the treatment journey of SMA patients and making disparaging comments about blind and cross-eyed individuals.

Disability-rights advocates filed complaints, pointing out how such mockery reinforced stigma around conditions already associated with high emotional and financial strain on families.

The Court took note of the issue, issued multiple summonses, and demanded public apologies—establishing that humour cannot override dignity. 2. The Court’s Punishment: “You Mocked Them — Now Help Them” Instead of imposing a generic fine, the bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi crafted a restorative form of justice.

They ordered Raina, Balraj Paramjeet Singh Ghai, Sonali Thakkar, Vipul Goyal, and Nishant Tanwar to raise funds for the treatment of disabled persons and to showcase their success stories in their shows and content formats.

The comedians also agreed to invite SMA patients and individuals with disabilities onto their platforms, marking a shift from merely apologising to actively participating in awareness and support. 3. Court’s Suggestion for a New Law Against Humiliating Disabled Persons

New Delhi, Jul 15 (ANI): Comedian Samay Raina arrives to appear before the Supreme Court in the matter related to allegedly mocking persons with disabilities, in New Delhi on Tuesday. (ANI Video Grab)

In a key moment, CJI Surya Kant asked the Solicitor General whether India should consider a law similar to the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, specifically criminalising the humiliation of persons with disabilities.

This isn’t entirely new terrain—India already has provisions for dignity under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, which penalises intentional insults or intimidation of disabled persons.

However, the CJI’s suggestion points toward a stricter, more targeted legal framework, recognising that humiliation carries long-lasting psychological and social trauma.

The Solicitor General agreed that humour must never come at the cost of human dignity. 4. How This Fits Into India’s Existing Disability Protection Laws India’s primary legislation, the RPwD Act, 2016, explicitly prohibits discrimination and protects dignity.

It includes penalties for intentionally insulting or humiliating persons with disabilities (Section 92), which may result in imprisonment up to five years and fines depending on the nature of the offence.

Additionally, disability-related harassment can sometimes be covered under general IPC provisions, and online violations may fall under the IT Act.

However, none of these function as a standalone “atrocities law” equivalent to SC/ST protections—hence the Court’s observation about strengthening the legal framework. 5. The Court’s Stern Warning: Accountability Beyond Borders

New Delhi, July 15 (IANS) Stand-up comedian Samay Raina appeared before the National Commission for Women (NCW) on Tuesday in connection with objectionable and disrespectful remarks made against women in a recent episode of the digital show “India’s Got Latent.”

During the hearing, the CJI cautioned the comedians to remain “very careful in the future, whether within the country or outside.”

This line is significant—it acknowledges that digital creators today have global platforms, cross-border audiences, and content footprint that extends beyond jurisdictional lines.

The Court made it clear that accountability does not end at YouTube’s boundaries. 6. The Comedians’ Joint Apology and Public Backlash In October, Samay Raina and the four other comedians issued a joint public apology acknowledging the hurt caused by the show.

However, the apology came only after widespread outrage from disability-rights advocates and public discourse demanding higher sensitivity from influencers.

The Court’s latest directive ensures that the apology translates into real, measurable contribution, not just a statement.