'Disturbing': SC Slams Samay Raina, Others Over Jokes On People With Disabilities
Taking strong objection to the remarks, the apex court recorded the personal appearance of the comics and directed them to file formal replies within two weeks.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday termed jokes made by stand-up comedian Samay Raina and others about persons with disabilities and rare diseases as 'disturbing", stating it would 'scrutinise individual conduct minutely."
The remarks came while the SC heard a petition filed by the CURE SMA Foundation of India, which raised concerns over allegedly insensitive and offensive content shared by Raina and other comedians. The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, ordered the comedians to respond to the plea and appear again in court at the next hearing, which is scheduled in three weeks.
Senior Advocate Aparajita Singh, representing the foundation, argued that the comedians' comments over people with disabilities amounted to 'hate speech", which does not deserve any protection under the right to free speech guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.
Taking strong objection to the remarks, the apex court recorded the personal appearance of the comics and directed them to file formal replies within two weeks.
The bench also reminded the Centre that existing guidelines on regulating online content, especially on social media and OTT platforms, must align with constitutional values. The bench stressed that the right to freedom and duties of citizens must be balanced.
Earlier, while hearing a separate case involving YouTuber Ranveer Allahabadia over his crass remarks on 'India's Got Latent' show, the top court had asked the government to consider formulating clearer guidelines to control vulgar and derogatory content online. Justice Kant reiterated the need for public debate on where free expression ends and civic responsibility begins.
'…you have to have guidelines which are in conformity with constitutional principles, comprising both parts – freedom, where the limit of that freedom ends, and where duties start…we would like to invite open debate on that," Justice Kant said.
On May 5, the top court had summoned five influencers and comedians, including Raina, over offensive content targeting persons with disabilities. It reiterated that any speech that demeans a community or group would be subject to legal restriction.
view comments
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
25 minutes ago
- Indian Express
‘Disturbing': SC asks YouTubers who joked about disabled to attend next hearing too
THE SUPREME Court on Tuesday reiterated its call for framing guidelines for social media users, balancing freedom of speech and expression with rights and duties. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi said this as it heard a plea by M/s SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) Cure Foundation accusing YouTubers Samay Raina, Vipul Goyal, Balraj Paramjeet Singh Ghai, Sonali Thakkar and Nishant Jagdish Tanwar of cracking insensitive jokes on persons with disabilities (PwDs). Complying with the court's direction during the last hearing, the five appeared before the Bench Tuesday. The Supreme Court gave them two weeks to file a counter-affidavit and directed all except Sonali Thakkar to appear again before the bench on the next date of hearing. Thakkar has been allowed to appear online. 'Respondents number 6-10 are present in court in compliance with our order. Their counsel seeks and is granted two weeks to file counter-affidavit… No further time shall be granted… Respondents 6-8 and 10 shall remain present in person on the next date as well. Any absence shall be viewed seriously. Respondent No.9 (Sonali Thakkar) is permitted to appear online,' the bench said in its order. Justice Kant said, 'Individual misconducts, which are under scrutiny, will continue to be examined. (SMA Cure) Foundation has raised serious issues. Something very disturbing.' The court is also seized of two other petitions by YouTubers Ranveer Allahabadia and Ashish Chanchlani for clubbing of FIRs lodged against them in connection with allegedly objectionable remarks made on 'India's Got Latent' show. In May, the court while hearing Allahabadia's plea to club the FIRs against him had flagged the need to put regulations in place for social media use. It also sought the assistance of Attorney General R Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta in the matter. On Tuesday, the Attorney General sought more time to assist the court. He said the question of their enforceability will have to be considered at length. Allowing the request, Justice Kant said, 'We would like to test the guidelines… You have to have guidelines which are in conformity with constitutional principles, comprising both parts — where the limit of that freedom ends, and where duties start… We would like to invite open debate on that… Members of Bar, stakeholders and all so-called stakeholders, all invited.' He sought to stress that Article 21, which deals with the right to life and liberty, would prevail over Article 19, which deals with freedom of speech and expression. 'Right to dignity also emanates from the right which someone else is claiming… Article 19 can't overpower Article 21… Article 21 must prevail if any competition takes place,' said Justice Kant. He also pointed to the need to ensure that the guidelines are not misused. 'What we are doing is for posterity. What we do should not be misused by anyone, you have to ensure that too. There has to be a balance. We have to protect citizens' rights,' Justice Kant remarked. Apology before NCW YouTuber Samay Raina appeared before the National Commission for Women (NCW) on Tuesday and submitted a written apology over remarks deemed disrespectful to women in his show 'India's Got Latent'. The NCW summoned Raina over objectionable content in the programme aired on an online platform. During the hearing before NCW chairperson Vijay Rahatkar, Raina expressed regret for his comments and assured the Commission that he would avoid such statements in the future, according to a statement. He also agreed to create content that upholds the dignity of women and spreads awareness about their rights and respect, the NCW statement said.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Marriages sacrosanct in Hinduism, but strained by trivial disputes, says HC quashing dowry case
1 2 3 4 5 6 Nagpur: The Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court observed that Hindu marriages, regarded as spiritual unions, are increasingly under threat from trivial disputes and prolonged litigation. While quashing a dowry harassment case filed in December 2023 against a Nagpur man and his family, the court noted such discord often causes irreversible damage to families and must be resolved with dignity, where reconciliation is not possible. The division bench of Justices Nitin Sambre and Mahendra Nerlikar passed the order on July 8 in response to a petition seeking to quash an FIR registered at Beltarodi police station under Sections 498-A (cruelty) and 377 (unnatural offences) of IPC, along with Sections 3 and 4 of Dowry Prohibition Act — all non-compoundable offences. The court invoked its inherent powers under Section 482 of CrPC to quash the FIR, as the couple informed they had obtained a mutual divorce and settled their differences. "Marital discord has nowadays become a menace in society due to various factors," the bench observed. "Small issues between two individuals are spoiling lives, and marriages, which are sacrosanct in Hinduism." Noting that marriage is more than a social contract, the judges said, "It is a spiritual union that binds two souls together. However, nowadays, these sacred marriages receive setbacks in such circumstances. The distress, disharmony, and lack of adjustment among individuals lead to conflict." The court pointed to misuse of matrimonial laws, saying that legislation like the Domestic Violence Act, Hindu Marriage Act, and Special Marriage Act, though well-intentioned, is being misapplied. "This results in multiplicity of litigation, mental and physical harassment, endless conflict, financial loss, and irreversible harm to children and other family members," the bench noted. It criticised the tendency of naming multiple family members of the husband in such cases, calling it a growing trend that demands a different judicial perspective. "If parties can settle their disputes amicably and live peacefully, it is the duty of courts to encourage such action," the judges said. Referring to Supreme Court's State of Maharashtra versus Chandrabhan case, the bench reiterated the right to life under Article 21 of Constitution is not limited to mere survival. "In matrimonial disputes, if reunion is not possible, it should be put to an end as early as possible. Otherwise, lives of individuals involved will be ruined, which would be violative of Article 21," the order stated. Emphasising the importance of peaceful closure, the court held that continuing criminal proceedings in such settled cases serves no public interest. "The court should support a respectful settlement to terminate litigation between the parties while protecting their life and liberty," it concluded.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Abdu Rozik Breaks Silence After Being Detained At Dubai Airport: 'I Am Fine...'
Recently, Abdu Rozik was taken into custody at Dubai International Airport, his management company confirmed to Khaleej Times. Internet sensation and former Bigg Boss contestant Abdu Rozik grabbed attention after he was detained at Dubai airport. The news went viral, and now he has recently addressed it and assured fans that he is 'completely fine". The Free Press Journal shared a video in which the singer did not directly address the arrest reports. He was seen at the red carpet of the IIIA Awards in Dubai. He assured everyone that he was doing fine. 'I want to say to everyone, I love Dubai, and I am here with all of you. God is always with the right person. I am fine; everything is good. Lots of love and thank you so much for supporting me," he said. Watch the viral video: Abdu Rozik was taken into custody at Dubai International Airport early Saturday morning, his management company confirmed to Khaleej Times. The 21-year-old was reportedly detained by authorities around 5 am, shortly after landing in Dubai from Montenegro. While the exact nature of the complaint remains under wraps, a representative from Rozik's team stated, 'All we can say is that we are aware he has been taken into custody on allegations of theft." They declined to elaborate further, and no official statement has yet been issued by the Dubai authorities. However, this isn't the first time Rozik has found himself embroiled in controversy. Last year, he was questioned by India's Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case involving a hospitality firm. While Rozik was not named as an accused, the incident made headlines across Indian media. Most recently, the singer appeared on Laughter Chefs: Entertainment Unlimited Season 2, hosted by Bharti Singh, where he was paired with YouTuber Elvish Yadav. His quirky one-liners and on-screen chemistry with Elvish won hearts, but he exited the show mid-way during Ramadan, citing a short trip to Dubai. He was later replaced by Karan Kundrra. His rise to fame began with viral musical content and later accelerated with his participation in Bigg Boss 16, making him a fan favourite with his infectious personality and comic timing. In 2024, he made his boxing debut at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena and launched his restaurant brand Habibi in the United Kingdom. First Published: July 15, 2025, 11:50 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
