Highlights
- The Supreme Court imposed a Rs 10 lakh cost on Samay Raina
- The comedian has been directed him to deposit the amount within two weeks
- The CJI said Raina had ‘taken the court for a ride’ and had ‘brazenly violated’ the apex court
New Delhi:
The Supreme Court on Tuesday imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh on comedian Samay Raina, taking a stern view of his conduct during the proceedings. This is in continuation of India’s Got Latent controversy that created an uproar in January 2025.
According to the court, Raina misled the apex court and made incorrect statements during the hearing. Observing that such conduct could not be overlooked, the bench imposed a penalty of Rs 10 lakh on the comedian.
The Supreme Court also warned that if the amount is not deposited within the prescribed time, strict legal action will be initiated against him.
In its observations, the court said Raina had taken the judicial process lightly and found that the statements made before it were not correct.
As per Bar and Bench, the matter was heard in connection with proceedings arising out of FIRs registered over offensive remarks made on India’s Got Latent. The case also concerns YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, who was earlier barred from airing his shows before the restriction was later lifted after he undertook to create awareness through programmes involving persons with disabilities.
During the hearing, advocate Aparajita Singh questioned Raina’s conduct, telling the court, “Now we find it distasteful to ask for his show. He is calling a few of such disabled to some physical locations and do shows. People like Samay Raina is apparently a youth icon. I shudder to think so.”
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta responded, “Our youth has better icons.”
Coming down strongly on Raina, Chief Justice of India B R Gavai observed, “We have no reason to believe that Samay Raina has taken the court for a ride and has brazenly violated the orders of this court. The misconduct is further compounded stating that an affidavit is filed when nothing is on record.”
The bench then imposed a cost of Rs 10 lakh, directing that it be deposited within two weeks.
The Solicitor General also referred to the opening scene of one of Raina’s shows, saying the comedian hangs a “Nimbu-Mirchi” on stage as a superstition to ward off bad luck and prevent the show from getting cancelled or landing in trouble.
“It was very clear what is he targeting or speaking about,” Mehta told the court.
The Chief Justice further remarked, “If you don’t know how to mend your ways or respect sentiments of the society members then you have to face consequences.”
During the hearing, Raina’s counsel informed the court that around Rs 9 lakh had been raised through the shows. However, advocate Aparajita Singh said, “We do not want any money from them.”
Justice Surya Kant Bagchi also made strong observations on the issue, saying, “You should have invited the client of Ms Aparajita Singh and done the show. Now you are giving a sense that you are trying to buy them out. If you used their disability to showcase your fundamental right to have commercial speech…”
The Chief Justice added, “What about their fundamental right to dignity.”
Justice Bagchi further observed, “Your show deals with humour. It deals with right to happiness. But you are only on right to material things.”
Closing the exchange, the Chief Justice told the comedian, “As an artist you are in public life. In public life more you respect others the more is the investment.”
