'Pay ₹3 lakh or one more zero can be added': Supreme Court pulls up Samay Raina for 'taking the court for a ride'

The court initially proposed a Rs 10 lakh penalty but reduced it to Rs 3 lakh after Raina's counsel sought one final opportunity for compliance.

However, the bench warned that it could increase the fine to Rs 30 lakh if it remained dissatisfied at the next hearing.

Court criticises alleged non-compliance

Expressing its displeasure, the Supreme Court said Raina had violated its earlier directions and failed to respect the commitments made before the bench.

"We believe Samay Raina has taken court for a ride, brazenly violated our orders. If you don't know how to mend your ways or respect sentiments of the society members then you have to face consequences," the court observed.

The bench directed Raina to deposit the Rs 3 lakh fine within two weeks and cautioned that a significantly higher penalty could follow if compliance remained unsatisfactory.

Referring to the possibility of enhancing the fine, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant remarked, "One more zero can be added."

Five comedians also fined

The Supreme Court also imposed a fine of Rs 3 lakh each on comedians Vipul Goyal, Balraj Ghai, Sonali Thakkar and Nishant Tanwar.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice J.V. Mohana directed all five comedians to submit compliance affidavits, issue public apologies and organise two special comedy shows every month to raise funds for the treatment of children suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

Court questions compliance with earlier directions

During the hearing, amicus curiae Aparajita Singh, appearing for the Cure SMA Foundation, informed the court that Raina had not complied with earlier directions to engage with the organisation or people affected by SMA.

"Samay Raina is doing shows, but has not contacted the SMA Foundation or persons suffering from SMA, as per the court's order. I don't know what kind of youth icon he is. I shudder to think," Singh told the court.

Chief Justice Surya Kant also expressed dissatisfaction over Raina's response filed before the court, reportedly remarking, "Throw it away," while questioning the delay in submitting it.

Background of the case

The matter stems from two episodes of India's Got Latent streamed on YouTube in 2025, during which Raina and other comedians allegedly made remarks targeting persons with disabilities, including individuals with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a child suffering from the condition, and visually impaired and cross-eyed people.

The remarks triggered widespread criticism, following which the Supreme Court summoned five comedians and content creators associated with the controversy.

Earlier, the court observed that any speech demeaning a community or class of people could be restricted.

Apex court's earlier directions

During earlier proceedings, the Supreme Court had directed Raina and the other comedians to host monthly fundraising programmes on their platforms, highlighting the stories of specially abled individuals.

Chief Justice Surya Kant had then observed, "It's a social burden we are putting on you, not a penal burden. You are well-placed persons in society. If you have become too popular, then share it with others."

The Cure SMA Foundation approached the Supreme Court seeking action against the content creators over what it described as insensitive remarks targeting persons with disabilities.

Call for stronger legal protection

During previous hearings, Chief Justice Surya Kant also suggested that Parliament consider enacting legislation similar to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act to specifically penalise derogatory remarks against persons with disabilities.

"Why not consider a law along the lines of the SC/ST Act, with clear punishment for demeaning them?" the Chief Justice had asked the Solicitor General.

The Solicitor General agreed that humour should not come at the cost of another person's dignity.

Joint apology issued earlier

In October 2025, Samay Raina, Vipul Goyal, Sonali Thakkar, Nishant Tanwar and Balraj Ghai issued a joint public statement expressing regret over the controversy.

"We, Samay Raina, Vipul Goyal, Sonali Thakkar, Nishant Tanwar, and Balraj Ghai, deeply regret the pain caused by our show. Going forward, we will be more mindful and do our best to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the community. Your strength inspires us to grow. With respect and gratitude, Samay, Vipul, Balraj, Sonali, Nishant," the statement said.