Supreme Court rebukes Samay Raina, says 'These youngsters are oversmart'

Stand-up comedian Samay Raina’s recent joke during his show in Canada has caught the Supreme Court’s attention, adding to the scrutiny he faced over an objectionable remark by fellow content creator Ranveer Allahbadia on his show India’s Got Talent.

Raina, during his recent performance in Canada, quipped that ticket sales from his show were helping him cover his legal fees for the ongoing case.

However, his joke didn’t sit well with the court, as Justice Surya Kant pointed out that one of the accused in the case went to Canada and spoke on the case.

The apex court, during the hearing of Allahbadia’s case regarding the resumption of his podcast The Ranveer Show on YouTube, said, "...these youngsters are over smart and we are probably an outdated generation and one of them has gone to Canada and what he has spoken there is well known to us.”

“They don't know what kind of jurisdiction this court has. We don't want to show it because they are young and hope they will behave like responsible people. Otherwise, we know how to deal with these people," Justice Surya Kant said emphasizing the responsibility that comes with fundamental rights.

A social media post also captured Raina referencing Allahbadia during his set, saying, "At moments where I could say something really funny, just remember BeerBiceps (Ranveer Allahbadia) brother.”

He also played on his own name, adding "Maybe my time is bad, but remember—I am the time.”

While allowing Allahbadia to resume his podcast, the bench stressed that it must maintain "morality and decency" and make it suitable for viewers of all ages.”

The top court also clarified there was a duty on persons exercising fundamental rights and there's nothing like a "fundamental right on a platter".

"We know that some briefless people are writing some articles in the name of freedom of speech and expression. We know how to handle them also. In this country, there is nothing like a fundamental right on a platter. The fundamental rights all flow by a duty and unless those people want to understand their duty, then we know how to deal with those kinds of elements," Justice Surya Kant said.

"So that guarantee will involve a guarantee for performing that duty. So, we know what kind of…anyway we are quite hopeful and we are quite sure that some repentance (is there) about what they have done," the bench added.