The Supreme Court on Friday quashed all FIRs against comedian Samay Raina and four others over alleged insensitive jokes about persons with disabilities during his 'India's Got Latent' show.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana passed the order, noting Raina and others' compliance with the top court's direction to conduct awareness programmes and raise funds for persons with disabilities.
Apart from Raina, the others who have received relief in the case are Vipul Goyal, Balraj Paramjeet Singh Ghai, Sonali Thakkar alias Sonali Aditya Desai, and Nishant Jagdish Tanwar.
SC praises efforts of Samay Raina, others
Deep Dive
What were the sensitive remarks made by Samay Raina and others during 'India's Got Latent'?
Why did the Supreme Court quash the FIRs against Samay Raina and the other comedians?
How did the comedians show their commitment to support persons with disabilities?
The court praised the efforts of Raina, Goyal, Ghai, Thakkar and Tanwar in organising shows for persons with disabilities.
"Once there are genuine efforts, positive results are bound to be there. They are very bright youngsters. If they have started working in a positive direction, there will be positive output," the court said.
However, the top court will continue hearing the matter to consider suggestions from persons with disabilities on ways to ensure better checks on such content and issue appropriate directions on the broader issues involved.'
{{/usCountry}}However, the top court will continue hearing the matter to consider suggestions from persons with disabilities on ways to ensure better checks on such content and issue appropriate directions on the broader issues involved.'
{{/usCountry}}"Matter qua respondents 6-10 (the accused comedians) is closed. Criminal proceedings against respondents 6-10 are hereby quashed. All other related proceedings are set aside. List to issue directions on the larger issue," the Court said.
What was the controversy?
The controversial episode of 'India's Got Latent', now being examined by the top court, was recorded on November 14, 2024, but was broadcast later.
Several people who featured on the comedy show faced multiple criminal cases over allegations of making obscene and insensitive remarks.
Those facing cases included podcast host and content creator Ranveer Allahabadia, popularly known as Beer Biceps.
Allahabadia's petition seeking relief in the cases against him remains pending before the top court. The court had earlier granted him interim protection from arrest.