New Delhi, Nov 27 (UNI) The Supreme Court today directed comedians Samay Raina, Vipul Goyal, Balraj Ghai, Sonali Thakker, and Nishant Tanwar to use their platforms to spread awareness and raise funds for persons with disabilities, including those suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
A Bench, comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, passed the direction while hearing a plea filed by Cure SMA Foundation, which complained that Raina and others had mocked persons with disabilities in their online content.
The Court said the comedians must invite and feature specially abled persons on their platforms and allow them to share their success stories.
The Bench ordered that two such programmes should be held every month, and the revenue should be deposited into a fund to support treatment for disabled persons.
“We hope these memorable events will take place before the next hearing. We are treating this as a bona fide mistake, so we are not imposing punishment,” the CJI said.
The Court also asked the Central Government to consider bringing a special law to protect disabled persons, similar to the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
“Why don’t you think of a law like the SC-ST Act for disabled people?” the CJI asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.
Senior Advocate Aparajita Singh, appearing for the NGO, said the issue was not about money alone but about dignity and awareness, as SMA treatment is extremely expensive and most medicines are imported. She suggested that the comedians host awareness programmes with disabled individuals, which the Court accepted.
The Bench also expressed concern about the rise of insensitive content online.
“Today it is disabled persons, tomorrow it may be women, then children, then senior citizens. Where will society land?” the CJI remarked.
The matter will be heard next after the Court reviews the progress made.
