The Supreme Court on Tuesday imposed costs of ₹3 lakh on comedian and YouTuber Samay Raina, holding that he had failed to comply with its earlier direction to conduct shows featuring persons with disabilities after the Court had relaxed restrictions imposed in connection with the India’s Got Latent controversy.
A Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana was hearing petitions arising out of multiple FIRs registered over allegedly obscene and offensive remarks made during the YouTube show India’s Got Latent. Earlier, while permitting YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia to resume airing his shows, the Court had directed that programmes be organised to create awareness about persons with disabilities.
During the hearing, it submitted that the directions had not been meaningfully complied with. Counsel argued that persons with disabilities were merely being invited to physical locations instead of the promised awareness programmes. Supporting the concerns, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta remarked: “Our youth has better icons.” Referring to an affidavit filed on behalf of Raina, the Bench found that the claim of compliance was unsupported by the record. Dictating the order, CJI Surya Kant observed:
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“We have no reason to believe that Samay Raina has taken the Court for a ride and has brazenly violated the orders of this Court. The misconduct is further compounded by stating that an affidavit is filed when nothing is on record. Thus, we impose costs of ₹3 lakh to be deposited within two weeks.”
The Solicitor General also referred to the opening scene of India’s Got Latent, where a ‘nimbu-mirchi’ (lemon and chilli totem) is hung on the stage, contending that it reflected the show’s attitude towards controversy. The Bench further underscored that freedom of expression carries corresponding responsibilities. CJI Surya Kant remarked:
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“If you don’t know how to mend your ways or respect sentiments of the society members, then you have to face consequences.”
When it was pointed out that around ₹9 lakh had been raised through the shows, Advocate Aparajita Singh clarified that her clients were not seeking any monetary benefit. The Court questioned the manner in which the organisers had attempted to demonstrate compliance. Emphasising the responsibility that accompanies public prominence.
Counsel appearing for Samay Raina submitted that persons with disabilities had indeed been invited to the programmes and photographs had been placed on record. He added that someone had not been contacted; it was unfortunate and assured the Court that appropriate steps would be taken. Expressing disappointment, the CJI concluded:
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“We have been granting liberty for so long. We thought you are youngsters from respectable family and work on it… but nothing is happening.”
The Court directed Samay Raina to deposit the ₹3 lakh costs within two weeks.