An Instagram video satirizing disabled people by ex-cricketers Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh and Gurkeerat Mann may land them in trouble if a complaint lodged at Amar Colony police station is anything to go by.
In his response to the criticism he received for this video Harbhajan clarified on ‘X’ that they never meant to offend anyone.
According to Parami News report, Arman Ali who is the executive director of National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) has filed a complaint against this with SHO Amar Colony police station.
“Today’s complaint also names Sandhya Devanathan, Vice President and Managing Director, Meta India as well as cricketers” it added.
The app owned by Meta called Instagram has allegedly been guilty of violating IT Act 2000 through permitting such contents, according to the complaint.
A complaint was lodged with the local cyber cell after a man came forward and reported that he had seen an inappropriate video clip on some social media site which appears to have been made by one or more individuals associated with cricketing teams from different countries.
The former cricketers uploaded the video on Instagram when India Champions defeated Pakistan Champions in World Championship of Legends Final by five wickets.
In it we can see Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh and Raina limping while clutching their backs illustrating how hard these matches are physically affecting them.
“The body ki Tauba Tauba ho Gayi in 15 days legends cricket… Every part of body is sore. Straight competition to our brothers @vickykaushal09 @karanaujla our version of Tauba Tauba dance. What a SONG,” read the caption under the post.
Disability rights activists have condemned the video as insensitive calling it “utterly disgraceful”
The charge indicates that Instagram did not follow its own community guidelines thus allowing offensive material to be shared.
The video is a violation of Article 21 of Indian constitution which guarantees the right to life with dignity.
It also violates Section 92 of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and goes against what the Supreme Court has established in Nipun Malhotra v. Sony Pictures Films India Private Limited (2004 SCC Online SC 1639) as well.
Ali has called for immediate and necessary action by authorities urging that public figures must be held accountable for their actions especially where they undermine the dignity of vulnerable communities.
Asked about the same after filing his complaint with Parami News Ali said that a simple apology from these cricketers would not do it. “They must be penalised for their actions” he added.
On ‘X’ Harbhajan Singh wrote: “Just wanted to clear to our people who are complaining about our recent videos of ‘Tauba Tauba’ on social media after winning championship here in England. We didn’t want to hurt anyone’s sentiments. We respect every individual and community and this video was just to reflect to our bodies after playing continuous cricket for 15 days.”
“SORRY” -SORE bodies.. we are not trying to insult or offend anyone… still if people think we have done something wrong.. all I can say from my side SORRY to everyone… please let’s stop this here and move forward. Stay happy and healthy (sic),” he concluded in his post.
