Supreme Court Warns Influencers Against Mocking Disabled Persons, Orders Apologies

The Supreme Court on Monday directed five social media influencers, including comedian Samay Raina and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, to issue public apologies for content mocking people with disabilities. The court also indicated that financial penalties could follow if such behaviour persists.

The order came after a petition filed by the Cure SMA Foundation, which pointed out derogatory comments made in online shows, particularly against individuals with spinal muscular atrophy and other disabilities. The bench, led by Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, underlined that while freedom of expression is constitutionally protected, it does not extend to commercial speech that demeans vulnerable groups.

The influencers must apologise on their platforms and file affidavits detailing steps they will take to promote awareness about disability rights. The court further asked the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to work with regulators like the NBDSA to frame comprehensive guidelines for content moderation on social media and digital platforms.

Significantly, the bench clarified that influencers need not appear in person at every hearing, but stressed that proportionate consequences are necessary to deter repeat violations. “Without accountability, such derogatory content will keep surfacing,” the judges observed.

The ruling comes amid growing scrutiny of online creators, with the court highlighting the responsibility of digital platforms and influencers to ensure their content does not undermine the dignity of persons with disabilities.