New Delhi, August 25 — The Supreme Court on Monday criticised a group of comedians for making “insensitive jokes” targeting persons with disabilities in their stand-up acts and directed them to issue public apologies on their social media platforms, in addition to the apology tendered before the court.
“Apology you tendered before the court, give the same before your social media too,” a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi told the comedians during the hearing.
The matter was heard alongside petitions filed by influencers Ranveer Allahabadia and Ashish Chanchlani, who sought the clubbing of multiple FIRs lodged against them in connection with the controversy surrounding comedian Samay Raina’s ‘India’s Got Latent’ show.
During the proceedings, Justice Bagchi underscored the responsibility of influencers and content creators, observing that while humour is an integral part of life, it should not come at the cost of humiliating vulnerable communities.
“Humour is well taken and is a part of life. We laugh at ourselves. But when we start laughing at others and create a breach of sensibility on a community plane, it becomes problematic. Influencers today are commercialising speech. The community at large should not be used to hurt sentiments. It’s not only freedom of speech—it’s commercial speech,” Justice Bagchi remarked.
The comedians’ counsel informed the bench that his clients had already issued an unconditional apology. To this, Justice Kant retorted: “Next time tell us how much penalty we should impose on you.” The counsel replied that any such penalty should go towards the welfare of groups representing persons with disabilities.
Raising broader concerns, Justice Kant added: “Today it’s about the disabled, next time it can be women, senior citizens, children…where will this end?”
The case has reignited debate on the boundaries of creative expression, freedom of speech, and the responsibility of influencers in shaping public discourse without perpetuating stereotypes or hurting vulnerable communities.
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