The Supreme Court imposed fines of Rs 3 lakh each on comedian Samay Raina and YouTubers Ranveer Allahbadia and Ashish Chanchlani for defying its directions in a case involving alleged insensitive remarks on persons with disabilities.
A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, made the ruling on Tuesday. The bench stated that Raina had taken the court for a ride and was in brazen violation of earlier undertakings.
The court reduced an initial cost order from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 3 lakh per person, to be deposited within two weeks. It warned that further defiance would result in the amount being increased tenfold.
The case stems from a petition by Cure SMA India Foundation regarding remarks made on the show India’s Got Latent. The court had previously directed the individuals to invite specially-abled persons on their shows and support fundraising for rare diseases such as Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
