Samay Raina, Vipul Goyal and others get relief as Supreme Court quashes FIRs over Latent controversy

The Supreme Court has quashed criminal proceedings against comedian Samay Raina and four others in connection with alleged insensitive remarks about persons with disabilities on India’s Got Latent.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana passed the order on Friday. The court noted that the accused had complied with its earlier directions to conduct awareness programmes and raise funds for persons with disabilities.

Besides Raina, relief was granted to Vipul Goyal, Balraj Paramjeet Singh Ghai, Sonali Thakkar, also known as Sonali Aditya Desai, and Nishant Jagdish Tanwar.

During the hearing, the bench acknowledged the efforts made by the five individuals through programmes involving persons with disabilities. The court said, “Once there are genuine efforts, positive results are bound to be there. They are very bright youngsters. If they have started working in a positive direction, there will be positive output.”

The court also recorded that criminal proceedings against the five respondents would be closed. “Matter qua respondents 6-10 (the accused comedians) is closed. Criminal proceedings against respondents 6-10 are hereby quashed. All other related proceedings are set aside. List to issue directions on the larger issue,” the court said.

However, the Supreme Court will continue examining the broader concerns surrounding content involving persons with disabilities. The matter will include suggestions from persons with disabilities on measures that could help create better safeguards and checks for such content.

What led to the controversy?

The episode of India’s Got Latent at the centre of the controversy was recorded on November 14, 2024, and released later. The show faced criticism over alleged obscene and insensitive comments made during the episode.

Following the controversy, several people associated with the programme faced criminal complaints and proceedings across different parts of the country.

Podcast host and content creator Ranveer Allahabadia, popularly known as Beer Biceps, was among those facing cases in connection with the episode. His plea seeking relief remains pending before the Supreme Court.

The court had earlier granted Allahabadia interim protection from arrest while considering the proceedings against him.

The latest order provides relief specifically to Raina and the four other respondents. The Supreme Court’s examination of the larger issue remains ongoing, particularly concerning how content involving persons with disabilities should be handled and what safeguards may be required.