The Supreme Court is hearing a case involving Samay Raina and other influencers for allegedly ridiculing disabled individuals on their show. The Court has ordered their presence, with coercive action threatened for non-compliance.
New Delhi: On May 5 The Supreme Court on Monday asked for the presence of five social media influencers, including Samay Raina, the host of the show India’s Got Latent, in response to a petition filed by an NGO.
The NGO, Cure SMA Foundation of India, has alleged that these influencers mocked individuals suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)—a rare and serious genetic disorder—on their show.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh instructed the Mumbai Commissioner of Police to serve formal notices to the five influencers, ensuring they appear before the Court. The bench warned that if they fail to comply, “coercive action will be taken.”
The Court also requested the assistance of Attorney General R. Venkataramani on the matter, particularly regarding the need for guidelines or regulations concerning social media content related to disabled individuals and those with rare disorders.
The case stems from controversial comments made by Allahbadia during an episode of the YouTube show “India’s Got Latent.” In the episode, Allahbadia posed an inappropriate hypothetical question to a contestant, which led to public outrage and multiple police complaints.
During the hearings, the Supreme Court granted interim protection to Allahbadia from arrest in connection with FIRs filed in Maharashtra and Assam.
However, the Court also criticized his conduct, stating that his remarks were “condemnable” and showed a “lack of responsibility.” Justice Surya Kant remarked, “Using filthy language is not talent,” emphasizing that creativity does not necessitate vulgarity.
The Court directed Allahbadia to surrender his passport to the police and barred him from leaving the country without prior permission. Additionally, he was instructed to refrain from airing any further shows until further notice.
The Court acknowledged that the suspension of Allahbadia’s podcast, “The Ranveer Show,” had jeopardized the livelihood of his 280 employees.
Consequently, the Court allowed him to resume the podcast, provided he submits an undertaking ensuring that his content maintains public morality and decency.
The Court also extended interim protection against arrest in multiple FIRs filed in Maharashtra and Assam. Furthermore, the Court hinted at expanding the case’s scope to examine the need for content regulations in digital media without infringing on free speech rights.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was directed to suggest measures that ensure free speech remains within the bounds of Article 19(4) of the Constitution.
The Supreme Court’s observations highlight the delicate balance between freedom of expression and societal norms.
Justice Surya Kant noted,
“There is something that is dirty in his mind that has been vomited by way of this program.”
The Court emphasized that while freedom of speech is essential, it does not grant individuals the license to speak whatever they want against the norms of society. The case has sparked a broader discussion on the regulation of online content and the responsibilities of digital content creators.
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