New Delhi, November 30, 2025 – In a progressive ruling blending judicial oversight with social responsibility, the Supreme Court of India has directed comedian Samay Raina and four other social media influencers to dedicate their platforms to amplifying the voices and stories of persons with disabilities (PwDs), citing the transformative impact of the recently released film *Sitaare Zameen Par*. The bench emphasized that this "social burden" – rather than penal action – would help atone for past insensitivities and foster greater inclusion.
The directive comes amid a high-profile petition filed by the M/s SMA Cure Foundation, an NGO advocating for children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and other rare genetic disorders. The foundation accused Raina, known for his YouTube series *India's Got Latent*, along with influencers Vipun Goyal, Balraj Paramjeet Singh Ghai, Sonali Thakkar, and Nishant Jagdish Tanwar, of making derogatory jokes that ridiculed PwDs during a now-removed episode of the show. The controversy, which erupted earlier in 2025, drew widespread condemnation for crossing the line from satire into harm, prompting police summons and public apologies from the creators.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, hearing the matter on November 27, opted against criminal penalties, instead imposing a mandate for reparative action. The court ordered the five individuals to host at least two programs or shows per month – either online or at public events – featuring "specially-abled" achievers and their inspiring stories. These initiatives must focus on raising funds for medical treatments, particularly for SMA patients, and promote timely interventions for rare diseases. "It's a social burden we are putting on you, not a penal burden," CJI Kant remarked during the hearing. "You are all well-placed persons in the society. If you have become too popular, then share it with others."
In a nod to the power of cultural narratives, the Supreme Court explicitly referenced *Sitaare Zameen Par*, a film produced by Aamir Khan Productions and directed by R.S. Prasanna, which premiered on June 20, 2025. Described as a spiritual successor to the 2007 dyslexia-focused *Taare Zameen Par*, the movie explores broader themes of disability inclusion, dignity, and societal visibility. The bench highlighted how the film has "re-energized conversations around disability in homes, schools, and workplaces," underscoring cinema's role in driving policy and public empathy. This citation was seen as a subtle endorsement of art's potential to influence judicial and social reforms, aligning the ruling with ongoing national dialogues on accessibility.
Beyond the directives to the influencers, the court issued broader recommendations to the Central government. It urged the framing of a stringent statute – modeled on the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 – to criminalize derogatory remarks against PwDs, making such offenses non-bailable. "Why can’t you bring a stringent law on the lines of the SC-ST Act which criminalises casteist remarks – there is punishment if you demean them," the bench questioned the Centre's representatives. Additionally, it called for an independent regulatory body to monitor obscene or offensive online content and directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to publicize draft guidelines on PwD-related derogatory material for stakeholder input. The matter has been listed for review after four weeks.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the government, echoed the bench's sentiment, stating, "Humour cannot be at the cost of someone’s dignity." The influencers, through their counsel, expressed willingness to comply, with the court leaving it to them to "persuade" PwDs to participate in the programs.
Advocates for disability rights hailed the verdict as a "milestone," arguing it shifts focus from punishment to empowerment. "This isn't just about apology; it's about action that builds bridges," said a spokesperson for the Cure SMA Foundation. Meanwhile, free speech proponents cautioned against overreach, though the court's emphasis on "social burden" appears to balance accountability with creative freedom.
As *Sitaare Zameen Par continues to stream on major platforms, drawing praise for its empathetic portrayal, the ruling could mark a new era where entertainment intersects with empathy, compelling influencers to leverage their reach for the marginalized. The coming months will test whether these monthly showcases evolve into genuine movements or mere formalities.
For More News Updates Follow Us On Www.tconews.in
