The Supreme Court on Friday quashed the FIRs against comedian Samay Raina, Vipul Goyal, Balraj Ghai, Sonali Thakkar and Nishant Tanwar over making insensitive jokes about persons with disabilities.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana passed the order after noting that the comedians had taken several efforts aimed at making amends and promoting awareness and dignity for persons with disabilities.

The bench noted the respondents organised a chess tournament for specially abled persons from March 14 to 16, 2026. The event received widespread media coverage and helped raise awareness about organisations working with persons with disabilities, including those supporting people affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Donations were also made to organisations working for the community.

The respondents had also proposed four additional fundraising shows. While logistical difficulties prevented them from making specific arrangements to invite specially abled persons to those events, they expressed their willingness to involve persons with SMA and provide financial support.

The Court noted that a constructive dialogue had taken place between the respondents and the petitioner NGO, Cure Foundation. The parties discussed programmes aimed at spreading awareness about SMA and celebrating the lives and achievements of "SMA warriors." The respondents also agreed to seek the guidance of the NGO while developing such programmes and to obtain the consent of SMA warriors for their participation.

The bench expressed appreciation for these efforts and said the respondents were expected to continue working towards events that promote dignity and awareness for persons with disabilities.

Last month, the Court had imposed a cost of Rs 3 lakhs on the comedians for failing to comply with their earlier undertakings to take efforts to make amends.

During the hearing, CJI Surya Kant referred to an interaction he had held with specially abled persons yesterday. He said the interaction had been a learning experience for the judges and highlighted the challenges faced by persons with disabilities.

The Court stated that it will keep the petition filed by Cure Foundation pending to consider the larger issue on the need for guidelines to prevent the humiliation of persons with disabilities. The bench called for suggestions from persons with disabilities and the petitioner NGO before issuing comprehensive directions.

The petitioner NGO also agreed to accept funds deposited by the respondents through a demand draft for use towards one of its causes. The Court directed that the amount lying with the Supreme Court Registry could also be transferred to the NGO.

Senior Advocate Aparajita Singh appeared for the petitioner.

Samay Raina was represented by Senior Advocate Madhvi Diwan, along with advocates Stuti Gujral, Shubhangni Jain and Ayush Kaushik and Abhay Pratap Singh, AOR.

Case Title: M/S. CURE SMA FOUNDATION OF INDIA Versus UNION OF INDIA AND ORS., W.P.(C) No. 460/2025