SC to comedians: Raise funds for specially abled

The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered comedian Samay Raina and four other social media influencers to host persons with disabilities (PwDs) at least twice every month, using their digital platforms and events to create awareness and generate funds for treatment of children suffering from rare disorders such as Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

- Utkarsh Anand

"If you show repentance and commitment to the cause of specially abled persons, this will have a widespread positive effect," said a bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant.

The direction came after the bench took strong exception to a video in which the comedians mocked people with disabilities, prompting the court to convert the controversy into an opportunity for reparative engagement rather than punitive action.

"We will not impose a fine on you, provided you come with a proposal for donation to a very good institution ... we don't want to impose a penal burden but you must discharge a social responsibility," the bench, also comprising justice Joymalya Bagchi, told the influencers after their counsel informed the bench that they had already filed affidavits tendering unconditional apology.