A police complaint has been lodged against former cricketers Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, and Gurkeerat Mann for allegedly mocking individuals with disabilities in an Instagram video.
The video, which showed the cricketers limping and holding their backs, was posted after India Champions' victory over Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends final.
In response to the backlash, Harbhajan Singh issued a statement on 'X' (formerly Twitter), clarifying that there was no intention to offend anyone. He apologized, stating, "We didn't want to hurt anyone's sentiments. We respect every individual and community... still if people think we have done something wrong, all I can say from my side is SORRY to everyone... please let's stop this here and move forward."
Arman Ali, Executive Director of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), filed the complaint with the SHO of the Amar Colony police station. The complaint also named Sandhya Devanathan, Vice President and Managing Director of Meta India, for permitting the content on Instagram, thus allegedly breaching the Information Technology Act, 2000.
A police officer confirmed the complaint had been received and would be forwarded to the district's cyber cell for further investigation.
Disability activists criticized the video, with the National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled calling it "totally disgraceful." The complaint asserts that Instagram failed to adhere to its user guidelines, allowing the spread of derogatory content.
Ali emphasized that this video violates Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life with dignity, and breaches Section 92 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. He also referenced the Supreme Court's guidelines from the case of Nipun Malhotra v. Sony Pictures Films India Private Limited.
Ali urged authorities to take immediate and appropriate action against the individuals involved, stressing the need for accountability, especially when the dignity of vulnerable communities is compromised. He stated that a simple apology from the cricketers was insufficient and that they should be penalized for their actions.
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