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Kunal Kamra Row: Mumbai Police To Issue 2nd Summons In ‘Traitor’ Joke Case Today

The Mumbai Police on Wednesday are preparing to issue a second summon to stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, requesting his appearance before an investigating officer regarding a case filed against him.

The case stems from a controversial “gaddar” (traitor) joke allegedly aimed at Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde. Kamra’s lawyer had earlier requested a one-week delay for his appearance, but the police rejected the request, leading to the expected second summon under Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Shiv Sena (UBT) Questions ‘Extreme Response’

In the midst of the ongoing controversy, the Shiv Sena (UBT) party, through its mouthpiece Saamana, criticized the “extreme response” from the Maharashtra government. The publication reminded readers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remark that “criticism is the soul of democracy” and questioned why the government was reacting so harshly to Kamra’s jokes.

Saamana emphasized that Kamra’s parody song, which rehashed slogans about the misuse of money power in politics, was merely a satirical take on existing issues. “It was ‘old wine in a new bottle’,” the editorial noted. The publication further accused the Maharashtra government of overreacting, saying that the backlash not only embarrassed Shinde but also made him a figure of ridicule in the state. Meanwhile, the editorial claimed that the BJP and Devendra Fadnavis were enjoying the spectacle.

The article also pointed out that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation took action against the studio only after it became a site for criticizing the government. The editorial suggested that Fadnavis, as Home Minister, was weak for failing to act against those who had attacked the venue, instead focusing on asking Kamra for an apology.

Legal Action

The controversy erupted after Kamra’s video, which was released on Sunday, went viral. His remarks led to Shiv Sena workers vandalizing the venue, Habitat Studio, located in Mumbai’s Khar area. The BMC also demolished a portion of the studio’s construction, citing alleged violations in building permits. The studio’s owners are now required to provide additional documentation before the BMC can resume its demolition actions.

Following the incident, the police registered an FIR against Kamra, invoking several sections of the BNS, including Section 353(1)(b) (statements causing public mischief) and Section 356(2) (defamation). In connection with the vandalism, 11 members of Shiv Sena’s youth wing, Yuva Sena, were arrested.

Political Reactions

The incident has sparked a political divide. On one hand, the ruling Maha Yuti alliance—comprising the BJP and Shiv Sena—has condemned Kamra’s remarks, suggesting that the comedian’s actions were part of a larger conspiracy to defame Eknath Shinde. On the other hand, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition has rallied behind Kamra, defending his constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression.

This case has highlighted the ongoing tension between free speech and political power, with the Maharashtra government facing criticism for its handling of the situation. As the legal and political drama unfolds, it remains to be seen how Kamra’s case will progress in the coming weeks.