Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 26: The Mumbai Police have denied stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra’s request for a week’s extension to appear before authorities in connection with the ongoing controversy over his remarks.
Kamra’s lawyer personally submitted the appeal at Khar Police Station, but the police rejected the request. The Khar Police are set to issue a second summons to Kamra today under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 35.
Previously, Mumbai Police had summoned Kamra to appear before the investigating officer on Tuesday. The case, originally filed by MIDC police, was later transferred to Khar police for further investigation.
Kamra found himself at the center of a political storm after his controversial “gaddar” (traitor) joke, which was allegedly aimed at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. His remarks led to widespread condemnation from political leaders, with demands for legal action. In response, Kamra released a new video mocking Shiv Sena workers for vandalizing Mumbai’s The Habitat comedy club, where he had performed.
On Tuesday, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar stated that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had addressed the issue on behalf of the government and assured that appropriate legal action would be taken.
CM Fadnavis, speaking in the state Assembly, took a firm stance against Kamra’s remarks, saying that while humor and political satire are accepted, freedom of expression should not lead to “tyranny.”
“We appreciate humor and satire, but we do not accept freedom of expression if it crosses the line. This artist makes controversial statements against the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice, trying to gain fame through controversy. He targeted Eknath Shinde with low-quality comedy,” Fadnavis said. He further stated that the people would decide whether Eknath Shinde is a traitor or not.
As the controversy unfolds, all eyes are on Kamra’s response to the second police summons and the legal proceedings ahead.