Maharashtra’s Khar Police has issued summons to stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, instructing him to appear before the investigating officer on Tuesday. According to the Mumbai Police, Kamra is currently not in the city. The FIR against him, initially registered by the MIDC police, was transferred to the Khar police for further investigation.
The FIR follows allegations that Kamra made disparaging remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during his recent stand-up comedy special.
His remarks led to a political uproar, with Shiv Sena members vandalising the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai’s Khar area, where the show took place. The hotel in which the club is situated was also targeted.
In response, Kamra released a statement on his social media platform, declaring he would not apologise. He maintained that entertainment venues are merely platforms without control over his content.
“An entertainment venue is merely a platform. A space for all sorts of shows. Habitat (or any other venue) is not responsible for my comedy, nor does it have any power or control over what I say or do. Neither does any political party. Attacking a venue for a comedian’s words is as senseless as overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes because you didn’t like the butter chicken you were served,” Kamra said.
Kamra further stated he is willing to cooperate with law enforcement authorities for any lawful actions taken against him. However, he questioned whether the law would be applied equally against those responsible for the vandalism.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde responded to Kamra’s remarks by comparing them to taking a “supari” (contract) to speak against someone.
Speaking at an event, Shinde said, “Freedom of speech is there. We understand satire. But there should be a limit. This is like taking supari to speak against someone.”
Referring to the Shiv Sena members’ actions, Shinde remarked, “The other person should also maintain a certain level. Otherwise, action causes reaction.” He also accused Kamra of previously making comments about the Supreme Court, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, journalist Arnab Goswami, and industrialists, questioning his motives.
Kamra’s parody of a popular Hindi song from the film Dil Toh Pagal Hai had referred to Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor) and included commentary on the political landscape of Maharashtra, including the Shiv Sena and NCP splits.
On Sunday night, Shiv Sena members damaged the Habitat Comedy Club and the hotel where it is located. Following the incident, police arrested Shiv Sena functionary Rahul Kanal and 11 others, who were later granted bail.
Kamra reiterated his refusal to apologise, stating on social media, “I will not apologise. I don’t fear this mob and I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down.”
He also commented on receiving threatening phone calls and messages, sarcastically noting that callers would hear the same song parody they disliked on his voicemail.
The comedian also criticised the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for demolishing a temporary structure at the hotel without prior notice. He sarcastically suggested he might host his next show at Elphinstone Bridge, which is slated for demolition by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority.
Despite the ongoing controversy, Kamra asserted his right to freedom of speech, saying, “Your inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change the nature of my right. As far as I know, it is not against the law to poke fun at our leaders and the circus that is our political system.”
Also Read: Justice Varma Case: Too Many Questions Unanswered, Many Of Them For Supreme Court
