Supreme Court Slams Samay Raina
Imposes ₹3 Lakh Fine Over Non-Compliance in "India's Got Latent" Disability Row
The Supreme Court of India on July 14, 2026, came down heavily on comedian Samay Raina and four other content creators, imposing a cost of ₹3 lakh on each of them for failing to honor commitments made earlier in a case concerning insensitive remarks about persons with disabilities.
Background of the Case
The matter stems from the controversy surrounding "India's Got Latent," the online talent show hosted by Raina, where jokes were made mocking individuals with disabilities and rare genetic disorders, including Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). The Cure SMA India Foundation had approached the Court, alleging that the remarks ridiculed a person living with the condition and trivialized the high cost of its treatment. The plea also sought broader regulation of online content that violates the dignity of persons with disabilities.
Last year, in August 2025, the Court had directed Raina and four other comedians — Vipul Goyal, Balraj Paramjeet Singh Ghai, Sonali Thakkar, and Nishant Jagadish Tanwar — to issue unconditional public apologies and undertake corrective measures. This included organizing shows to highlight the achievements of persons with disabilities and raising funds for the treatment of rare diseases, along with directly involving affected communities in their programming.
What Happened on July 14
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana expressed sharp displeasure after being informed that Raina had not followed through on these commitments. Senior Advocate Aparajita Singh, representing the Cure SMA India Foundation, told the Court that neither the organization nor any of its beneficiaries had been contacted by Raina despite the earlier directions.
The bench observed that Raina appeared to have taken the court for a ride and was in brazen violation of the statements and undertakings he had given, adding that he had compounded the issue by claiming a compliance affidavit was filed when none actually was.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, further pointed to Raina's newly launched second season of the show, in which the comedian made an apparent — though unnamed — reference to the ongoing proceedings while performing a ritual gesture at the start of the episode. Mehta also objected to the terminology "disabled persons" used in the comedians' affidavits, suggesting "specially abled persons" as the more appropriate phrase.
Justice Bagchi remarked that Raina seemed to be trying to substitute genuine engagement with money, rather than ensuring meaningful participation by persons with disabilities. The CJI added that public figures carry a greater responsibility toward society, and that respect earned is proportional to respect given.
The Penalty
The Court initially proposed a fine of ₹10 lakh on Raina, but after hearing his counsel's plea for leniency, reduced it to a uniform ₹3 lakh cost for all five comedians. They have been directed to deposit the amount within two weeks and file a proper compliance affidavit. The Court cautioned that a far steeper penalty — reportedly up to ₹30 lakh — could follow if compliance is not satisfactory at the next hearing.
Broader Directions
The bench also asked the comedians to conduct at least two shows or programs per month to showcase success stories of persons with disabilities and generate funds for their treatment, particularly for those suffering from SMA. Separately, the Court has asked the Central Government to consider a dedicated law criminalizing derogatory remarks against persons with disabilities and those with rare genetic disorders, drawing a parallel to protections under the SC/ST Act.
What's Next
With the two-week compliance deadline now running, all eyes will be on whether Raina and the other comedians follow through this time — or face the steeper financial consequences the Court has already signaled.