The Supreme Court on Tuesday came down heavily on comedian Samay Raina, observing that he had disregarded its directions and "took the court for a ride". Stating that such conduct could not be overlooked, the bench said the comedian would have to bear the consequences of his actions.
"We believe Samay Raina has taken court for a ride, brazenly violated our orders. If you don't know how to mend your ways or respect the sentiments of the society members then you have to face consequences," the Supreme Court said, directing the comedian to pay Rs 10 lakh as fine.
Appearing for Raina, his counsel requested the court to grant one final opportunity and sought leniency. Taking note of the plea, the bench reduced the penalty from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 3 lakh, while cautioning that the amount would be increased to Rs 30 lakh if it remained dissatisfied at the next hearing.
"The misconduct is sought to be compounded by stating that a compliance affidavit was filed yesterday, however, no affidavit has been filed," the bench said.
The Chief Justice also expressed displeasure over what the court viewed as Raina's conduct, remarking that some people assume they are beyond the reach of Indian courts while staying overseas.
"Let them suffer now. If this is not arrogance, then we have to change the Oxford dictionary also," the Chief Justice observed.
The proceedings stemmed from a petition filed by Cure SMA India Foundation, which accused Raina of making insensitive remarks about the high cost of treatment for Spinal Muscular Atrophy and allegedly mocking an individual living with the condition.
According to the plea, comments made by "India's Got Latent" host Samay Raina, along with social media influencers Vipun Goyal, Balraj Paramjeet Singh Ghai, Sonali Thakkar and Nishant Jagdish Tanwar, were objectionable.
During an earlier hearing, the apex court had instructed Raina to organise monthly fundraising shows across his platforms highlighting inspiring stories of specially abled individuals.
"It's a social burden we are putting on you, not a penal burden. You are well-placed persons in society. If you have become too popular, then share it with others," Chief Justice Surya Kant said during a hearing last year.
Representing Cure SMA Foundation, advocate Aparajita Singh argued that Raina continued to use the word "disabled" instead of "specially abled" in his shows. She further submitted that while certain events had been organised, the Foundation had not been approached despite the court's explicit directions.
"I don't know what kind of youth icon he is... I shudder to think. There is a genuine lack of apology from Samay Raina," Aparajita Singh told the court.
She added that the organisation no longer wished to be associated with someone it regarded as egoistic and arrogant.
Responding on behalf of Raina, his lawyer told the court that they did not possess the address of the Cure SMA Foundation, which, he said, was "why we did not approach them".
"The specially abled people were called and photos are there. But if Ms (Aparajita) Singh's client was not reached out then it is unfortunate. We will prevail over our client and have it done," Samay Raina's lawyer said.
