27 Nov. 2025, DELHI
The Supreme Court of India (SC) on Thursday issued a directive to comedian-YouTuber Samay Raina and three other comics, ordering them not to face conventional punishment, but instead to use their influence to uplift disabled achievers. The bench clarified the move is “a social burden, not a penal burden,” and asked them to host shows celebrating success stories of people with disabilities.
The case stems from a petition by Cure SMA Foundation, alleging that Raina and others had made derogatory jokes about persons afflicted by conditions such as Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), and visually impaired individuals, particularly during a show on their now-defunct platform. During earlier hearings, the court described the remarks as “disturbing” and signalled that such ridicule could amount to hate speech.
On Thursday’s hearing, the bench, led by Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, emphasized that influence and popularity come with responsibility. Instead of jail or fines, the comedians were directed to invite specially-abled individuals whose stories of resilience and success can inspire many. The events are intended to raise funds for timely medical treatment and support of disabled persons.
The court also suggested that the government consider enacting stricter laws, similar in spirit to the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, to penalize those who demean persons with disabilities in public content. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, agreed that humour should never come at the cost of someone’s dignity.
The bench ordered that the comedians should host at least two shows every month, featuring disabled achievers, until further hearing. They were asked to ensure full transparency and sincerity in these events.
The landmark order underscores the broader conversation on the balance between free expression and social responsibility, particularly in the age of digital content. It sends a clear message: platforms built on popularity must not only entertain, they must also respect dignity, promote inclusion, and use their reach for constructive change. With this directive, the Supreme Court hopes to turn controversy into opportunity for greater social awareness.
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