Supreme Court Directs Samay Raina & 4 Influencers to Apologize for Mocking Disabled People
Samay Raina: The Supreme Court of India ordered Samay Raina and four other creators of content to apologise unconditionally on their podcasts or shows for mocking people with rare genetic disorders and disabilities.
The directive was issued by a bench consisting of Justices Surya Kant, Joymalya Bagchi and Anuradha Singh. They were tasked with issuing the order after five influential people had been accused of inappropriately making jokes regarding individuals who have disabilities. This included those with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and vision impairment. The Court emphasized the fact that commercial speech that hurts vulnerable communities cannot be protected under freedom of expression.
Samay Raina was one of the influential people in the Court. He is known for hosting shows and his popular comedy. Sonali Thakkar (also known as Sonali Aditya Desai) was the only one exempted. She was given an exemption from appearing in Court after she assured that an unconditional apology would be broadcast on her show.
The Supreme Court said that the Court would consider imposing penalties on social media influencers who offend disabled people, such as Samay Raia, at a future stage. The Court will consider the imposition of a fine for social media influencers like Samay Raina who offend disabled people at a future stage.
The bench also asked that the Centre formulate comprehensive guidelines for curbing social media speeches that offend or mock disabled people, women, children and seniors. This Court stressed the importance of establishing guidelines that are not a reactionary response to one incident, but rather a broad-based approach that incorporates views from everyone.
The Attorney General R Venkataramani joined the Court as it discussed the importance of social media regulation that balances free speech and protection for vulnerable groups. This case highlights the growing concern about content creators’ and influencers’ responsibility when commercial speech mocks or targets marginalised groups.
This directive is timely, as social media influencers such as Samay Raia have massive audiences and a significant amount of commercial influence. This court decision highlights the importance of greater accountability for digital content, especially when it comes to protecting persons with disabilities.
The landmark judgment sets an important precedent in how the courts will deal with cases that involve social media content targeting vulnerable groups. This requirement of public apology shows the commitment by the judiciary to ensure that commercial entertainment doesn’t come at the cost of human dignity.
The Supreme Court of India
It is India’s highest Court, and was established by the Constitution of India. The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial authority in the country, established under the Constitution of India.
