'Social burden, not penal': SC tells Samay Raina, 3 comics to platform disabled achievers

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday directed comedian and YouTuber Samay Raina, along with three other comedians, to host shows on their platforms featuring specially-abled individuals who have inspiring success stories. The top court said the events should be used to raise funds that would support the timely and effective treatment of persons with disabilities.“We hope and expect that such few memorable events will take place before we hear the matter next. It’s a social burden we are putting on you (comedians) not penal burden. You are all well-placed persons in the society. If you have become too popular, then share it with others”, CJI Kant said.The directions were issued while hearing a plea filed by Cure SMA Foundation, which sought action against comedians for making insensitive remarks about people suffering from disabilities.The case stems from a controversy that erupted months earlier over an episode of Samay Raina’s YouTube show India’s Got Latent. The episode, which involved remarks perceived as mocking individuals with disabilities and rare disorders, sparked debate on the limits of free speech and the boundaries of satire. Raina and the other comedians were first summoned by Mumbai Police and later by the Supreme Court after an NGO filed a petition accusing them of ridiculing vulnerable communities.The row centered on questions of social sensitivity and the pattern of comedy shows crossing lines without accountability. Following the backlash, Raina’s YouTube show was ultimately taken down.