In a development that could pose fresh legal challenges for comedian Samay Raina, the Supreme Court on Monday expressed serious concern over allegations that he made offensive comments about individuals with disabilities, including those with visual impairments and Spinal Muscular Atrophy, during his YouTube show.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh addressed the issue after Cure SMA Foundation of India, an NGO, raised the matter through an interim application linked to an ongoing case involving content creator Ranveer Allahbadia.
“This is a serious issue,” the bench remarked, encouraging the NGO’s lawyer, Aprajita Singh, to file a separate writ petition to allow for broader legal examination under the court’s jurisdiction.
The court also noted that the investigation involving Ranveer Allahbadia, who appeared in the controversial episode, has been completed. It scheduled a hearing for April 28 to decide whether his passport—currently held by Thane’s Cyber Police—can be returned.
Allahbadia had been granted interim protection from arrest earlier this year after facing backlash and multiple FIRs over remarks made in India’s Got Latent, hosted by Raina.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing police from both Maharashtra and Assam, informed the court that while the probe in Mumbai was over, a formal chargesheet had not yet been submitted. In Assam, most accused individuals had cooperated with the investigation, except Apoorva Makhija, who missed two summons. She is expected to appear on Tuesday.
NGO Urges Rules
The NGO behind the complaint, Cure SMA Foundation, used the hearing to call for stricter regulation of online content, particularly content that belittles or stereotypes individuals with disabilities.
In its submission, the foundation emphasized that it wasn’t calling for censorship but wanted clear, enforceable rules to prevent the mocking or trivializing of rare medical conditions and their treatment.
“We are only seeking safeguards against content that is demeaning or derogatory toward disabled individuals,” the NGO said. “Such portrayals fuel ignorance and make it harder for patients to be taken seriously.”
They also asked the court to issue guidelines for content creators, news outlets, social media influencers, and online platforms.
Push For Broader Regulation On Digital Platforms
This issue aligns with an ongoing initiative by the court, which had previously directed the Centre to propose a regulatory framework for online content. The goal is to strike a balance between freedom of speech and the need to prevent harm, especially in cases involving hate speech, obscenity, or insensitivity.
Court had also suggested that such a draft be opened to public consultation before any formal legislative or judicial step is taken.
Background
The controversy stems from an episode of India’s Got Latent, where Allahbadia—also known as BeerBiceps—and others made remarks that were deemed offensive and inappropriate, particularly on topics like sex and parenting. The court had initially barred him from publishing any new content that could influence ongoing proceedings.
However, on March 3, Allahbadia was allowed to resume his podcast, The Ranveer Show, under the condition that he maintained civility and age-appropriate content.
Alongside Raina and Allahbadia, several comedians—Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, and Apoorva Makhija—are also named in the Assam FIR and could face further legal action.
The case is therefore drawing attention to the responsibilities of digital content creators and the need for ethical standards in online entertainment.
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