The Supreme Court on Tuesday strongly reprimanded comedian Samay Raina and four other digital creators, including podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia and YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani, for failing to comply with its earlier directions in the ongoing India’s Got Latent case. The Bench imposed a fine of ₹3 lakh on each of the five respondents, observing that they had not fulfilled the court’s previous orders.
During the hearing, the Bench, led by Justice Surya Kant, remarked that Samay Raina had “taken the court for a ride” and accused the group of having “brazenly violated” its directions. Referring to them as “self-styled youth icons,” the judges stressed that individuals with significant public influence must set an example by respecting both the law and the sentiments of society.
The proceedings stem from a petition filed by the Cure SMA India Foundation over controversial remarks made on India’s Got Latent. The petition alleges that jokes on the show mocked persons with disabilities and included insensitive comments about the cost of treatment for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic disorder.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had directed the influencers to issue public apologies and engage directly with the disability community by participating in awareness and fundraising initiatives. During Tuesday’s hearing, counsel appearing for Samay Raina submitted that approximately ₹9 lakh had been raised through related events for the benefit of persons with disabilities. However, senior advocate Aparajita Singh, appearing in the matter, responded that the objective was not financial compensation, reportedly stating that the disabled community did not seek money but compliance with the court’s directions.
The Bench made it clear that charitable contributions alone would not substitute for adherence to judicial orders. It warned that if the respondents fail to satisfy the court at the next hearing, the penalty could be increased substantially—from ₹3 lakh to as much as ₹30 lakh each. The judges also observed that those who fail to mend their ways or show respect for the dignity and sensitivities of others must be prepared to face legal consequences.
The court has granted the respondents two weeks to either file affidavits demonstrating full compliance with its earlier directions or deposit the ₹3 lakh fine. The matter remains pending before the Supreme Court and will be taken up again in the coming weeks.
The Solicitor General also remarked during the proceedings that India’s youth deserve better role models. The case has reignited a wider debate over the responsibilities of comedians, influencers and digital content creators whose work reaches millions, particularly when dealing with sensitive subjects such as disability, chronic illness and the financial challenges faced by affected families.
