Samay Raina and four other comedians summoned by SC for mocking disabled people

Samay Raina has come under the scrutiny of the law yet again as the comedian was summoned by the Supreme Court under allegations of mocking disabled people as part of a comedy set. The 27-year-old has denied the claims and told CNN, “Whatever I have to say, I’ll say in court."

He is not the only one in legal trouble. Comedians Nishant Jagdsish Tanwar, Sonali Thakar, Vipul Goyal, and Balraj Paramjeet Singh Ghai have also been summoned by the top court on similar claims. According to PTI, A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi recorded the presence of the social media influencers and asked them to file their replies to the petition. It also asked them to appear again in person on the next date of hearing of the case.

The top court issued the directive after a plea alleged that the group made ridiculing jokes directed at people suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). NDTV reported that Raina made controversial comments referencing a baby needing a ₹16 crore injection to treat SMA. “We are really disturbed by the allegations. We place such instances on record, implead the concerned persons, and suggest measures. Then we will see," Justice Surya Kant said, according to the publication.

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The comedians will have to file their replies within two weeks and should strictly adhere to the date for the next hearing and their absence will not be taken lightly.

The top court also asked Attorney General R Venkataramani to create social media guidelines that provide freedom of speech without demeaning the rights of an individual. 

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