- The Supreme Court on Friday (August 14, 2026) quashed criminal proceedings against comedian Samay Raina and four others for their remarks about people with disabilities.
- The Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana observed that "once there are genuine efforts, positive results are bound to be there" and that the individuals are "very bright youngsters" working in a positive direction.
- While quashing the FIRs, the bench said the matter concerning these five influencers stands closed, but the court would consider the larger issue of issuing comprehensive directions to protect the dignity of disabled persons.
- The CJI noted that on Thursday (August 13, 2026) he and some judges interacted with a delegation of persons with disabilities, calling it "quite a learning and an eye-opener" and a "satisfying experience."
- The delegation comprised 20 people from different fields, including paralympian Nidhi Mishra, Ankur Dhama, Major D.P. Singh, and Chhonzin Angmo.
- The bench noted that the influencers have engaged in effective conversation with the foundation and are willing to invite persons suffering from SMA in their shows, with more fundraising shows scheduled.
The Supreme Court of India quashed criminal proceedings against comedian Samay Raina and four others on August 14, 2026, for their remarks regarding disabilities, commending their genuine efforts to promote awareness and dignity for disabled individuals.12
The court dismissed the FIRs against Raina, Vipul Goyal, Balraj Paramjeet Singh Ghai, Sonali Thakkar, and Nishant Jagdish Tanwar, recognizing their contributions in organizing a chess tournament for disabled persons and raising awareness about organizations supporting those with rare diseases like Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
Chief Justice Surya Kant and justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana noted, "Once there are genuine efforts, positive results are bound to be there." They emphasized the potential of these young influencers to bring about positive change.34
During the proceedings, senior advocate Aparajita Singh highlighted the influencers' engagement with the foundation, stating, "This matter was going nowhere till this court took a very strong stand last time." The court also indicated plans to address broader issues regarding the dignity of disabled individuals.
The Chief Justice shared insights from a recent interaction with a delegation of 20 individuals with disabilities, describing it as a "learning and eye-opener" experience. The influencers have committed to hosting more fundraising events and engaging with persons suffering from SMA in their shows, demonstrating their dedication to the cause.
Last November, Raina and his colleagues volunteered to organize at least two events each month to raise funds for financial aid for those affected by SMA.
“The bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, noted the influencers engaged with a foundation and will invite persons with SMA to their shows, with more fundraising events scheduled. The court also said it will consider broader directions to protect the dignity of disabled persons.”
