Supreme Court Orders Social Media Apologies From Comedians Over Remarks On Disabled Persons

The Supreme Court has strongly reprimanded comedians over remarks made about persons with disabilities, asserting that public apologies alone are insufficient.

The bench of Justice DY Suryakant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi directed that all concerned must also apologise on social media.

The court has given the central government time to issue detailed guidelines, with the next hearing scheduled for November.

During the hearing, comedians Samay Raina, Nishant, Vipul Goyal, and Balraj Malik appeared in court, while Sonali Thakkar joined via video conferencing.

The bench emphasised that no one can use humour or entertainment as a pretext to insult anyone’s sentiments.

In earlier proceedings, the petitioners’ lawyers pointed out that no direct petition targeted the comedians, and the court stressed that parties must not treat a summons lightly, leaving no room for ‘ifs’ or ‘buts’.

New Guidelines Awaited

Attorney General Venkatramani informed the court that issuing the guidelines would take some time.

The court instructed the central government to frame comprehensive directives to curb social media content that insults or mocks persons with disabilities, women, children, and senior citizens. The guidelines are expected to include input from field experts.

Petitioners’ lawyer Aparajita Singh welcomed the order, stating that the judges had sent a strong message that resonated across the country, and noted that the concerned comedians had issued apologies.

Justice Suryakant remarked that while apologies are necessary, the court should not require foundations or individuals to appear repeatedly, and he asked how authorities would address the harassment of individuals.

Justice Joymalya Bagchi highlighted that humour is an integral part of life, but laughing at others and hurting sensitivities is unacceptable.

The court noted that community-level humour can escalate into larger issues, and criticised social media influencers for commercialising speech at the expense of vulnerable groups.

Justice Suryakant added that those responsible must face consequences proportionate to the harm caused.

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