‘India’s Got Latent’ Row: Supreme Court Clears Samay Raina, 4 Others in Disability Remarks Case

The Supreme Court on Friday, August 14, quashed criminal proceedings against comedian and YouTuber Samay Raina and four other comedians in connection with insensitive remarks concerning persons with disabilities on the YouTube show India’s Got Latent.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana passed the order, according to reports.

The relief was also granted to comedians Vipul Goyal, Balraj Paramjeet Singh Ghai, Sonali Thakkar alias Sonali Aditya Desai and Nishant Jagdish Tanwar. The court also appreciated their efforts to organise events for the benefit of persons with disabilities.

The bench reportedly observed that genuine efforts could lead to positive results and noted that the respondents had started working in a constructive direction. 'India’s Got Latent' Row: SC Seeks Samay Raina, Other Social Media Influencers’ Presence in Court for ‘Ridiculing’ Disabled.

Supreme Court Quashes Proceedings Against Five Comedians

The Supreme Court directed that the criminal proceedings against Raina and the four other comedians be quashed along with related proceedings.

However, the larger issue concerning regulation and checks on online content remains open. The court is expected to consider suggestions from persons with disabilities before issuing appropriate directions. ‘India’s Got Latent’ Row: Ranveer Allahbadia and Apoorva Mukhija Appear Before NCW in Delhi, Record Statements.

What Led To The India’s Got Latent Controversy?

The controversy erupted after multiple complaints and FIRs were filed in different states over remarks made on India’s Got Latent. The cases included allegations of obscenity and the use of indecent language.

YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia had also approached the Supreme Court seeking relief in cases linked to the controversy. The court had earlier granted him interim protection from arrest while criticising his remarks and examining the balance between freedom of expression and social responsibility.

Allahbadia’s separate plea remains pending before the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court Had Warned Samay Raina Over Canada Remarks

The legal proceedings also saw the Supreme Court take a strong view of Raina’s comments about the case during a show in Canada in March 2025.

Raina had told the audience at the end of his show, 'Thanks for paying my lawyer’s fees.'

The Supreme Court subsequently warned him against taking the proceedings lightly. Chief Justice Surya Kant had said that the court knew how to deal with those who treated its proceedings casually.

During the same period, the Supreme Court allowed Allahbadia to resume his podcast The Ranveer Show, while stressing the importance of balancing freedom of expression with morality. Allahbadia had told the court that the podcast was his only source of livelihood and that around 280 people working with him depended on it.

Raina, Others Faced Scrutiny Over Court Directions

The matter came under renewed scrutiny in July 2026 when the Supreme Court took exception to alleged non-compliance with its earlier directions. The court had referred to Raina and the other respondents as 'self-styled youth icons' and imposed costs of INR 3 lakh each.

The proceedings later took a different turn after the respondents submitted details of initiatives undertaken for persons with disabilities.

The court noted that a chess tournament had been organised in Pune in March and that more fundraising shows were planned. The respondents also expressed their willingness to work with the concerned NGO and support people affected by spinal muscular atrophy.

The Supreme Court ultimately found that the measures reflected compliance with its earlier directions and appreciated the efforts made by Raina and the other comedians.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 14, 2026 03:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).