New Delhi, Aug 14: The Supreme Court on Friday quashed the criminal cases registered against comedian and YouTuber Samay Raina and four other comedians over allegedly offensive remarks about Persons with Disabilities made during an episode of the online show India’s Got Latent. The court granted relief after finding that the comedians had complied with earlier directions requiring them to undertake awareness and fundraising initiatives in support of Persons with Disabilities.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohan passed the order after recording compliance with the directions issued during earlier hearings. The Bench held that, in view of the fulfilment of those undertakings, the FIRs lodged against the comedians could no longer continue.
Apart from Raina, the order extends to comedians Vipul Goyal, Balraj Paramjeet Singh Ghai, Sonali Thakkar, also known as Sonali Aditya Desai, and Nishant Jagdish Tanwar.
The court noted that the comedians had organised programmes aimed at creating awareness about the rights and concerns of Persons with Disabilities while also supporting fundraising efforts for their welfare. It appreciated these initiatives before directing that the criminal proceedings against them be set aside.
Despite quashing the FIRs, the Supreme Court made it clear that the broader proceedings would continue. The Bench said it would hear suggestions from Persons with Disabilities and other stakeholders on measures that could help prevent the circulation of similar content in the future. The court indicated that it may issue appropriate directions on these larger issues after considering the submissions placed before it.
The matter had previously witnessed judicial intervention over non-compliance with earlier undertakings. Last month, the apex court imposed a cost of ₹3 lakh on the comedians after observing that they had failed to adhere to commitments made before the court to make amends.
The controversy originated from an episode of India’s Got Latent that was recorded at Khar Habitat on November 14, 2024, and released subsequently. Multiple criminal complaints were filed against several participants, alleging that obscene and insensitive remarks had been made during the programme.
Among those facing proceedings in connection with the episode is podcaster and digital content creator Ranveer Allahbadia, widely known as BeerBiceps. His petition challenging the criminal proceedings remains pending before the Supreme Court, although he has already been granted interim protection from arrest.
Other personalities associated with the episode, including Ashish Chanchlani and Samay Raina, had also faced criminal proceedings arising from the controversy before Friday’s order brought the cases against Raina and the four other comedians to a close.
