Supreme Court Quashes Cases Against Samay Raina Over Disability Remarks

Comedian Samay Raina got relief after the Supreme Court on Friday dismissed criminal proceedings against him and four others over allegedly offensive remarks about people with disabilities. Raina and four others came under scrutiny over remarks made on 'India's Got Latent'.

The court had earlier criticised the comedian for the remarks and directed Raina to organise awareness campaigns and raise funds for people with disabilities.

SC Dismisses Cases Against Raina

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice JV Mohana dismissed the cases against Raina and the others on Friday after noting their compliance with the court's earlier directions.

The court had earlier imposed a fine of Rs 3 lakh each on Raina and the others. During the previous hearing, the court had taken note of the need for them to fulfil the commitments made as part of their corrective measures.

SC Praises Raina, Others For Fundraising Efforts

On Friday, the court appreciated Raina and the others for organising performances to raise funds for people with disabilities.

The bench said, 

"Once there are genuine efforts positive results are bound to be there. They are very bright youngsters. If they have started working in positive direction, there will be positive output." 

The court subsequently dismissed the criminal proceedings against them over the allegedly offensive remarks concerning people with disabilities.

Cure SMA Foundation Flags Raina's Remarks

The Cure SMA India Foundation had approached the Supreme Court, alleging that Raina made offensive comments about the high cost of treating spinal muscular atrophy and mocked a person with the condition.

The petition also highlighted remarks made by India's Got Latent host Raina and other social media personalities Vipul Goyal, Balraj Paramjeet Singh Ghai, Sonali Thakkar and Nishant Jagdish Tanwar.

The controversial episode of India's Got Latent was filmed in November. Multiple cases were filed against Raina and others over allegations of making offensive and insensitive remarks.