NEW DELHI: Mumbai Police have rejected stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra‘s request for additional time to appear before authorities regarding his controversial ‘gaddar’ (traitor) joke allegedly targeting Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde. The police will now issue a second summons under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 35.
Kamra’s lawyer personally submitted the appeal and reply at the Khar Police Station, but authorities declined the request for a week’s extension. The comedian was initially summoned to appear before the investigating officer on Tuesday.
The case originated when MIDC police registered a first information report against Kamra for his remarks during a stand-up comedy show. The case was subsequently transferred to Khar police for further investigation.
The controversy has drawn reactions from various political figures, including Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, who addressed the issue.
“Our CM Devendra Fadnavis had responded on this issue on behalf of the government. Our CM has said that action will be taken as per the law,” said Pawar.
Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis took a firm stance on the matter while speaking in the state Assembly on Monday.
“We appreciate humour and satire. We accept political satire, but we do not accept freedom of expression if it leads to tyranny,” stated Fadnavis.
The chief minister further criticized Kamra’s performance quality and motives. “This artist makes statements against the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice; he wants to gain fame by creating controversy. He targeted Eknath Shinde and staged a low-quality comedy,” said Fadnavis, adding that the public would determine whether Eknath Shinde is a traitor or a selfish person.
In response to the controversy, Kamra released a new video on Tuesday mocking Shiv Sena workers who had vandalized The Habitat comedy club in Mumbai, where he had previously performed.
The incident has sparked a broader debate about the limits of freedom of expression in comedy, with several political leaders condemning Kamra’s statements and calling for action against him.