The controversies surrounding comedian and YouTuber Samay Raina continue to grow, as the Supreme Court of India has now stepped in over his alleged insensitive jokes on disabled individuals and a two-month-old baby battling a rare disease. This follows the recent backlash from the show India’s Got Latent, where Raina’s remarks created widespread outrage. The case took a serious turn after the Cure SMA Foundation of India filed an intervention application, accusing Raina of making a mockery of those suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
According to reports, the Supreme Court bench led by Justice Surya Kant expressed strong displeasure after hearing about the remarks made by Samay. Justice Kant observed, “We are really disturbed by the allegations. We place such instances on record… implead the concerned persons… suggest measures. Then we will see.” The court’s sharp reaction underscores the gravity of the situation and signals that public figures cannot hide behind the excuse of ‘humor’ when it comes to sensitive issues involving disability and life-threatening illnesses.
The Cure SMA Foundation’s petition explained the immense struggles faced by families battling SMA, especially with exorbitantly priced treatments like Zolgensma, a one-time gene therapy costing Rs 16 crore. Fundraising and public support are often the only ways families can afford such treatments. Against this backdrop, Samay Raina’s jokes, which trivialized the need for financial help, have been deemed as deeply disrespectful. The Foundation stressed that people with disabilities deserve “the highest degree of sensitivity and compassion,” and that the casual mockery seen on social media and comedy platforms seriously undermines this.
Samay’s controversial comments included making light of a mother’s dilemma in securing a Rs 16 crore injection for her child, and mocking a visually impaired contestant by joking about which of his eyes he should look into. These remarks sparked massive criticism, leading to multiple episodes of India’s Got Latent being pulled down from streaming platforms. Public outrage has also been intense, with many calling for stricter guidelines around comedy related to vulnerable communities.
As the case now moves forward in the Supreme Court, it may set an important precedent about the responsibility comedians, influencers, and digital creators hold while addressing serious issues. The outcome of this case could redefine the boundaries between comedy, free speech, and human dignity, reminding everyone that humor must never come at the cost of empathy and respect.