‘Freedom Can’t Violate….’ India’s Got Latent Host Samay Raina And 4 Others Face Heat From Supreme Court For Mocking Disabled People

The Supreme Court has strongly criticised five social media influencers, including India’s Got Talent host Samay Raina, for allegedly mocking people with disabilities. The court made it clear that freedom of speech cannot come at the cost of someone else’s dignity.

Samay Raina And Others Asked To File Their Responses In Disability Mockery Case

Samay Raina, along with Vipul Goyal, Balraj Paramjeet Singh Ghai, Sonali Thakkar (also known as Sonali Aditya Desai), and Nishant Jagdish Tanwar, appeared before a Bench led by Justice Surya Kant on Tuesday. The case is based on a petition claiming they ridiculed people with disabilities and those suffering from spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and blindness in their content.

The Bench directed all five influencers to appear in person for the next hearing. However, Sonali Thakkar was allowed to attend virtually because of a physical condition. The court warned that their absence in the next session would be taken seriously.

Supreme Court On Freedom Vs Responsibility

The Bench stressed that freedom of speech cannot violate other people’s rights. It highlighted that Article 19, which grants free speech, does not override Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and liberty. Justice Surya Kant stated that social media guidelines should balance freedom with responsibility.

The court also asked Attorney General R Venkataramani to draft a framework for social media rules to prevent harmful and derogatory content, especially against vulnerable groups. The Attorney General requested more time, saying enforceability needs detailed review.

The Bench added that an open debate will take place before rules are finalised and noted, “There are many free advisers in the market. Ignore them. The guidelines should be in conformity with constitutional principles, balancing freedom and the rights and duties of a person.

Court Calls Samay Raina And Others’ Actions ‘Damaging’

The controversy began after a plea alleged that these influencers mocked people with SMA and other disabilities in their show. The court called their actions “damaging” and “demoralising” and indicated strong action to ensure such behaviour is not repeated. It said no one can be allowed to demean others under the guise of free speech.

The Supreme Court also suggested creating clear guidelines for social media content related to disabilities and rare disorders.

The influencers have two weeks to respond.