Samay Raina, Other Influencers Appear In SC Over Remarks ‘Ridiculing’ Disabled

Samay Raina

Five social media influencers, including Samay Raina, host of “India’s Got Latent,” appeared before the Supreme Court on Tuesday in a case alleging that they mocked persons with disabilities.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi recorded their presence and directed them to file written replies within 2 weeks.

The court warned that no further extensions would be granted and stressed that absence at the next hearing would be taken seriously.

The influencers were also asked to appear in person at the next hearing, except Sonali Thakkar (aka Sonali Aditya Desai), who was permitted to appear virtually due to a physical condition.

The court tasked Attorney General R Venkataramani with drafting social media guidelines that balance freedom of speech with respect for others’ rights, noting that enforcing such guidelines is a complex challenge.

This follows the court’s May 5 order directing the influencers to appear after a petition alleged they ridiculed individuals suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy and other disabilities on their show.