Mumbai police on Tuesday issued a summons to stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, asking him to appear for questioning regarding a case filed against him over his remarks on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
<h3>Summons Issued</h3>
Police sources stated that a team from Khar police station delivered the summons at Kamra&rsquo;s residence, where his parents reside. As Kamra is currently in Puducherry, the summons was also sent to him via WhatsApp. Kamra has assured the police of his full cooperation in the investigation.
<h3>Complaints and Legal Actions</h3>
Shiv Sena legislator Mangesh Kudalkar filed a complaint at Kurla Nehrunagar police station, urging authorities to register a case against Kamra. Separately, the MIDC police station filed a Zero FIR against the comedian for allegedly objectionable remarks made during a stand-up performance. Meanwhile, Khar police have booked Yuva Sena General Secretary Rahool Kanal under various sections of the BNS and Maharashtra Police Act for vandalizing the venue where Kamra&rsquo;s show was recorded.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 9) Dixit Gedam confirmed that two cases have been registered&mdash;one against Kamra for his remarks and another against individuals involved in vandalizing the Unicontinental Hotel, where Kamra&rsquo;s show was filmed. The investigation is ongoing.
<h3>Vandalism and Demolition</h3>
Following the vandalism at the Habitat Studio, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials arrived at the Unicontinental Hotel in Khar on Monday, citing structural violations. The demolition drive began and is set to continue.
<h3>Political Reactions</h3>
Shiv Sena has demanded an unconditional apology from Kamra, condemning his remarks as &ldquo;distasteful and defamatory.&rdquo; The party stated that Kamra's comments were a deliberate attempt to mock Dy CM Shinde and misrepresent Maharashtra&rsquo;s political landscape. Opposition parties, however, criticized the swift action against Kamra while alleging selective enforcement of laws.
<h3>Kamra&rsquo;s Response</h3>
Kamra has refused to apologize, maintaining that his remarks were based on statements made by NCP leader Ajit Pawar about Shinde. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kamra defended his right to free speech, stating: &ldquo;Freedom of speech is not only for praising the powerful. My right to satire remains valid, even if some find it uncomfortable. I am willing to cooperate with lawful action, but will the same legal scrutiny apply to those who resorted to vandalism?&rdquo;
He also criticized the demolition of Habitat Studio, questioning the urgency in targeting an entertainment venue while Mumbai&rsquo;s infrastructure issues persist.
<h3>Dy CM Shinde&rsquo;s Reaction</h3>
Eknath Shinde responded on Monday night, suggesting that Kamra had made the remarks after taking a &lsquo;supari&rsquo; (contract). While he refrained from calling for direct action, he noted that every action has a reaction.
&ldquo;I do not react to allegations. My response is my work. People have been making accusations against me for years, and I have always answered them through my performance. However, there are limits to criticism,&rdquo; Shinde stated.
On the vandalism at Habitat Studio, Shinde distanced himself, saying, &ldquo;I do not support such actions, but people&rsquo;s emotions must be considered.&rdquo;
<h3>The Broader Debate</h3>
The controversy has reignited debates on freedom of speech and political tolerance in India. While Kamra faces legal scrutiny, critics argue that responses to satire and political commentary should remain within democratic norms.
The case remains under investigation.
(with inputs from IANS)

The Unicontinental hotel in Mumbai, where the comedy show was shot

Stand-up comedian refuses to apologize, to cooperate with investigation

Police Summons Kunal Kamra over ‘Gaddar’ Remarks

Stand-up comedian refuses to apologize, to cooperate with investigation

March 25, 2025 | 11:41 IST