In a significant development in the Kunal Kamra controversy, Mumbai Police have denied the stand-up comedian’s request for an additional week to appear before the authorities.
Kamra’s lawyer personally submitted the appeal and response to Khar Police Station, but the request was turned down. As a result, the Khar Police will issue a second summons to Kunal Kamra today under Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Earlier, Mumbai Police had summoned Kamra, asking him to appear before the investigating officer on Tuesday. The MIDC Police had registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Kamra over his remarks during a stand-up comedy show, later transferring the case to Khar Police for further investigation.
Kamra triggered a political controversy with his ‘gaddar’ (traitor) joke, allegedly directed at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. His comments drew widespread condemnation from political leaders, with many demanding action against him. However, Kamra responded on Tuesday by sharing a video mocking Shiv Sena workers for vandalizing Mumbai’s The Habitat comedy club, where he had previously performed.
On Tuesday, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar addressed the issue, stating, “Our CM Devendra Fadnavis has already responded on behalf of the government, assuring that action will be taken as per the law.”
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took a firm stance on the alleged derogatory remarks made by Kamra against Eknath Shinde. Speaking in the state Assembly on Monday, Fadnavis stated that the government supports humor and satire but will not tolerate freedom of expression being misused to spread tyranny.
“We appreciate humor and satire. We accept political satire, but we do not accept freedom of expression if it leads to tyranny,” the Chief Minister said, further criticizing Kamra’s performance as “low-quality” comedy.
“This artist makes statements against the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice; he seeks fame by stirring controversy. He targeted Eknath Shinde and delivered a low-quality act,” Fadnavis added, emphasizing that it is ultimately the people who will decide whether Eknath Shinde is a traitor or a self-serving politician.