The Supreme Court of India has fined comedian Samay Raina ₹3 lakh for not satisfying its previous directions for offending on the online show India's Got Latent. This is not only the first time it has imposed a fine but also a smaller amount than the originally proposed ₹10 lakh.
The top court also imposed identical fines of ₹3 lakh each on content creators Ranveer Allahbadia and Ashish Chanchlani. The issue was brought forward by the Cure SMA India Foundation, which claimed that jokes on the show mock people living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and ridiculed the high cost of treatment for the rare genetic disorder.
It was an insult to people suffering from SMA and their families, the foundation said. The petition sought remedies against the creators, who should take greater responsibility for entertainment involving sensitive issues, it says.
The Supreme Court said during the hearing its earlier directions were not being fully complied with. The bench had previously told the creators to make sure they’re aware and to do fundraising events with people with disabilities, including shows where disabled people were shown and that they were also able to participate and donate to charity.
As these directions had not been properly carried out, the court decided to impose monetary penalties. But it reduced the proposed fine from ₹10 lakh to ₹3 lakh for each of the three creators, taking the situation in the court into account.
The Supreme Court also gave Samay Raina, Ranveer Allahbadia, and Ashish Chanchlani two weeks to file compliance affidavits outlining the steps they have taken to adhere to the court's earlier orders. The affidavits should outline their efforts to raise awareness and to assist people with disabilities.
The case has once again brought home the tension between freedom of expression and social responsibilities in digital entertainment. Comedians and content creators have creative freedom, but such freedom can’t be at the expense of vulnerable communities’ dignity, the judiciary said.
The controversy surrounding India's Got Latent has generated much debate on social media and discussions about the limits of comedy and satire. Many users supported the court's emphasis on responsible content creation, while others have called for clearer guidelines governing online entertainment.
As the digital creator ecosystem in India expands, the Supreme Court's comments will help artists and creators to work with a wide audience, so as not to alienate people who are disabled, sickly, or have certain disabilities.
With the compliance deadline now set, all eyes will be on the three creators as they respond to the court's directions and submit their affidavits in the coming weeks as well.
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