The Supreme Court on Tuesday imposed a cost of Rs 3 lakh on comedian Samay Raina, observing that he had “taken the court for a ride” by failing to comply with its earlier directions in connection with the India’s Got Latent Season 1 controversy over allegedly offensive remarks made during the show’s episodes.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and J.V. Mohana was hearing petitions filed by YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, influencer Ashish Chanchlani and M/s Cure SMA Foundation arising from the India’s Got Latent controversy.
Coming down heavily on Raina, the bench noted that despite the undertaking given before the court, he had failed to contact the Cure SMA Foundation or persons suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
“We have no reason to doubt that Samay Raina has taken the court for a ride. He is in brazen violation of statements and undertakings given before this court,” the bench observed.
The court also rejected the submission that a compliance affidavit had already been filed.
“The misconduct is sought to be compounded by stating that a compliance affidavit was filed yesterday. However, no affidavit has been filed,” the bench said.
Initially, the court proposed imposing a cost of Rs 10 lakh and granted Raina two weeks to deposit the amount along with 15 days to file a compliance affidavit, warning that coercive action would follow in case of non-compliance.
However, after Raina’s counsel sought one final opportunity and appealed for leniency, the Supreme Court reduced the cost to Rs 3 lakh. At the same time, it cautioned that if it was not satisfied with the comedian’s compliance at the next hearing, the penalty would be enhanced to Rs 30 lakh.
During the hearing, senior advocate Aparajita Singh, appearing for the Cure SMA Foundation, informed the court that Raina had resumed live comedy performances but had still not complied with its earlier direction to engage with the foundation or SMA patients.
“I don’t know what kind of youth icon he is. I shudder to think,” Singh told the bench.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also referred to one of Raina’s recent comedy performances, alleging that the comedian appeared to mock the ongoing court proceedings.
“He recently started a new show. He said at the beginning that he was doing something he did not do in the last series and hung nimbu-mirchi. He did not name anyone, but it was quite visible. If he has still not contacted the SMA Foundation or persons suffering from SMA, it is a matter of concern,” Mehta submitted.
Making strong observations on the conduct expected from public figures, Chief Justice Surya Kant said, “In public life, the more you respect others, the more respect you earn. You don’t humiliate people.”
When Singh remarked that it had become “fashionable” for some comedians to denigrate people, the Chief Justice observed that the court had initially shown considerable leniency.
“Today’s order has been invited by the respondents. We have been granting liberty. We thought that you are youngsters belonging to respectable families,” the bench observed.
Counsel appearing for the comedians submitted that the failure to contact the Cure SMA Foundation was not out of ego and assured the court that efforts would be made to ensure compliance.
The Chief Justice, however, expressed displeasure, saying, “They think sitting outside the country they are beyond jurisdiction. Let them suffer now. If this is not arrogance, then we have to change the Oxford dictionary also.”
