A police complaint has been filed against former cricketers Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, and Gurkeerat Mann for allegedly mocking people with disabilities in a viral Instagram reel.
The reel showed the cricketers limping to the beat of the viral song ‘Tauba Tauba’ from actor Vicky Kaushal’s upcoming film "Bad Newzz."
The video depicted the former cricketers humorously presenting their physical conditions after participating in the World Championship of Legends tournament. Actor Vicky Kaushal even commented with laughing emojis on the post.
Winning Celebrations from Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh and Suresh Raina 😅
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) July 14, 2024
👉🏻 Are they Mocking Current Pakistani Fast Bowling Unit 🧐 Which gets Injured in every 2 Months 🤐#IndvsPakWCL2024 #INDvsZIM pic.twitter.com/QZ8qXLvIIh
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However, the video did not sit well with India's Para-badminton star Manasi Joshi. She criticized the cricketers for mocking differently-abled people.
Following her comments, Harbhajan Singh quickly removed the reel and posted an apology on his Instagram story.
Has there been legal action initiated against India Legends?
Despite the apology, the controversy continued. Arman Ali, executive director of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), filed a complaint with the SHO of the Amar Colony police station.
Arman Ali's complaint also named Sandhya Devanathan, Vice President and Managing Director of Meta India, for allowing the content to be posted on the platform.
What did Arman Ali say?
"This video is a blatant violation of Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees every person the right to life with dignity. It also breaches Section 92 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and contravenes the Supreme Court's guidelines established in the case of Nipun Malhotra v. Sony Pictures Films India Private Limited (2004 SCC Online SC 1639)," Arman Ali stated in his complaint.
Arman Ali urged the authorities to take stringent action against the cricketers. "They must be penalised for their actions," he told PTI.
The incident has sparked controversy and drawn attention to sensitivity and awareness regarding disabilities. The outcome of the complaint remains to be seen, but it acts as a reminder for public figures to be mindful of their influence and the content they share.
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