Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has refused to apologise for his jokes, which have sparked outrage in Maharashtra, leading to legal action against him. The Maharashtra Police have registered a case against Kamra under multiple sections, including defamation, following protests from the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction). Despite facing threats of physical harm, Kamra declared that he does not fear the mob.
“I will not apologise. What I said is exactly what Mr. Ajit Pawar (1st Deputy CM) said about Mr. Eknath Shinde (2nd Deputy CM). I don’t fear this mob, and I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down,” Kamra said in a statement on March 24.
The controversy erupted after Kamra sang a parody song in his latest special, Naya Bharat, referencing Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a ‘gaddar’ (traitor).
This led to protests by Shiv Sena workers, who vandalised The Habitat comedy club, the venue where the performance took place. Shortly after, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) partially demolished the venue, without prior notice, citing alleged illegal construction of temporary sheds.
Kamra condemned the vandalism and BMC’s subsequent action, stating that the venue should not be held responsible for a comedian’s material.
“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,” he said.
He also defended his right to speech and expression. “The right to freedom of speech and expression is not only to be used to fawn over the powerful and rich, even though today's media would have us believe otherwise,” Kamra said in his statement.
The Mumbai Police have charged Kamra under Sections 353 (1) [publishing or circulating false information through electronic means], 353 (2) [publishing false information with intent to promote hatred], and 356 (2) [defamation].
While Kamra has agreed to cooperate with the police and courts, he questioned whether similar action would be taken against the BMC and those who resorted to vandalism.
“I am willing to cooperate with the police and courts for any lawful action taken against me. But will the law be fairly and equally deployed against those who have decided that vandalism is the appropriate response to being offended by a joke? And against the unelected members of the BMC, who arrived at Habitat without prior notice and tore the place down with hammers?” he asked.
Further, taking a dig at the BJP-led Maharashtra government for its vindictive action, Kamra said, “Perhaps for my next venue, I will opt for Elphinstone Bridge, or any other structure in Mumbai that’s in need of speedy demolition.”