The Supreme Court on Monday levied a significant fine of ₹10 lakh against comedian Samay Raina, sternly observing that he had “taken the court for a ride” through false statements and a blatant disregard for its directives.
During the hearing, the bench highlighted Raina's failure to comply with previous court orders. Despite assurances made before the court, his subsequent actions did not align with the commitments placed on record, leading to strong judicial disapproval.
Court Expresses Strong Disapproval of Raina's Conduct
The apex court unequivocally expressed its displeasure with Raina's behavior, stating that his actions after giving assurances to the bench amounted to misleading the judicial process. This led to the imposition of the substantial penalty.
The court issued a clear warning that coercive action would be initiated if the ₹10 lakh amount is not deposited within the stipulated time, underscoring the seriousness of the violation.
Counsel for SMA Foundation Criticizes Actions
Representing the SMA Foundation, counsel appearing in the case also criticized Raina's conduct. “I don't know what kind of youth icon he is... I shudder to think,” the counsel remarked, questioning the comedian's public image in light of his actions before the court.
This ruling serves as a stark reminder of the judiciary's firm stance against any attempts to mislead or disrespect court proceedings, irrespective of an individual's public standing.