SC Cites Sitaare Zameen Par Impact, Directs Samay Raina And Others To Feature PwDs Online
The Supreme Court of India, acknowledging the power of cinema to shape societal perceptions as exemplified by the film Sitaare Zameen Par, has directed comedian Samay Raina and other social media influencers to leverage their platforms to promote inclusivity and raise funds for persons with disabilities (PwDs). This landmark decision follows a petition filed by the Cure SMA India Foundation, which sought action against online content perceived as offensive and detrimental to the dignity of individuals with disabilities.
The case originated from concerns over insensitive remarks made by Raina and other comedians on the show India's Got Latent regarding the high cost of treatment for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and the ridiculing of individuals with disabilities. The court, taking suo moto cognizance of the matter, converted the controversy into an opportunity for reparative engagement rather than punitive action. In August 2025, the court had already directed Raina and his colleagues, including Vipul Goyal, Balraj Paramjeet Singh Ghai, Sonali Thakar, and Nishant Jagdish Tanwar, to issue public apologies on their social media platforms.
During a recent hearing, a bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi directed Raina and the other comedians to host at least two programs every month dedicated to raising funds for a corpus aimed at supporting the treatment of PwDs. The court further instructed them to invite individuals with disabilities, especially those with inspiring success stories, to feature on their shows. The aim is to generate awareness, promote inclusivity, and encourage corporations and the public to contribute generously towards the treatment of PwDs, including those affected by SMA.
CJI Surya Kant emphasized that the court was placing a "social responsibility, not a penal burden" on the comedians, recognizing their significant influence in society. The court expressed hope that these events would be memorable and demonstrate the comedians' commitment to the cause of PwDs. The court noted that if the comedians show sincerity about showcasing the achievements of PwDs, they will also come on the platform for wider publicity of their cause.
The Supreme Court's directive also prompted discussions about the need for a stringent legal framework to prevent derogatory content targeting PwDs. The court asked the Centre to consider framing a statute similar to the SC-ST Act, which criminalizes casteist slurs and discriminatory acts. The Ministry of Broadcasting has also been asked to bring into the public domain, for discussion, certain guidelines that were under preparation.
The decision highlights the growing awareness of the impact of online content on vulnerable communities and the responsibility of content creators to promote inclusivity and respect. By citing the positive influence of Sitaare Zameen Par, the Supreme Court underscored the potential of media and entertainment to drive social change and foster a more empathetic society. The case serves as a test case for creator responsibility, emphasizing that freedom of speech comes with accountability, especially when monetized content can offend the dignity of others.
