New Delhi: The Supreme Court, on Monday, came down heavily on YouTubers and comedians for mocking persons with disabilities in their online content and stand-up shows, directing them to issue public apologies and warning that financial penalties could be imposed for future violations.
The Court passed this order while hearing a petition against remarks made by YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia during an episode of India’s Got Latent. The plea, filed by SMA Cure Foundation, also accused comedians Samay Raina, Vipun Goyal, Balraj Paramjeet Singh Ghai, Sonali Thakkar and Nishant Jagdish Tanwar of cracking “insensitive jokes” about persons with disabilities.
“Apology you tendered before the court, give the same before your social media too,” the bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi told the comedians.
Their counsel confirmed that unconditional apologies had been submitted, with assurances that they would also post apologies across their platforms.
“Humour is well taken and is a part of life. We laugh at ourselves. But when we start laughing at others and create a breach of sensibility… it becomes problematic. Influencers of today are commercialising speech. The community at large should not be utilised to hurt the sentiments of certain sections. It’s not only freedom of speech, it’s commercial speech,” Justice Bagchi observed.
The Court also directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to draft comprehensive guidelines for the language used on social media platforms, to ensure dignity and protection for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. The Ministry has been asked to consult the National Board for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities and stakeholders while preparing the framework.
Senior advocate Aparajita Singh, appearing for the Foundation, welcomed the move, saying: “Good sense has prevailed, all have apologised. Your lordships have sent a strong message. My suggestion is let the comedians spread awareness about the issue. That would be the best apology.”
The Court said the apologies must extend to YouTube channels, podcasts and other platforms, adding: “Next time tell us how much penalty we should impose on you.”