Kunal Kamra Refuses to Apologize Amid Maharashtra Legislative Council Proceedings
Kunal Kamra's Stance on Apology
On Thursday, comedian Kunal Kamra stated that he cannot offer an unconditional apology during the breach of privilege proceedings at the Maharashtra Legislative Council, arguing that doing so would lack sincerity and create a negative precedent for artistic freedom.
The committee indicated that his situation would be viewed more favorably if he chose to apologize, as reported by a local news outlet.
Kamra, along with Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sushma Andhare, is under scrutiny for allegedly making derogatory comments about Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in March 2025.
While Kamra faced accusations of ridiculing Shinde and disrespecting the Maharashtra legislature, Andhare was charged with supporting him. The breach of privilege notice was initiated by a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Respected sir maybe there was a communication issue but the way I remember the last 3 questions of my cross examination this evening -
— Kunal Kamra (@kunalkamra88) April 9, 2026
Do you feel remorse - No
Are you sorry about what you said- No
If you tender an unconditional apology this matter will be looked at differently… https://t.co/mrXP94WcCd
Kamra attended the Privileges Committee meeting at 5 PM on Thursday, where his testimony was recorded for an hour, according to reports.
The head of the committee, BJP MLC Prasad Lad, mentioned that both Kamra and Pravin Darekar were cross-examined, and they aimed to highlight Kamra's alleged mistakes during the questioning.
Lad noted that Kamra was asked about his rights and the committee's privileges, and reiterated that an unconditional apology could lead to a different consideration of the case. Kamra's lawyer indicated they would discuss the matter and respond via email.
However, Kamra contested Lad's account of the hearing, asserting that the final three questions were focused on whether he felt remorse for his comments, and he was informed that an apology would alter the committee's perspective.
Kamra's Critique of Shinde
On March 23, 2025, Kamra uploaded a video on his YouTube channel where he seemingly criticized Shinde through a satirical rendition of a popular Hindi film song.
In the video, he referred to Shinde as a 'traitor' in connection with the 2022 rebellion against then-Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, which led to a political upheaval in Maharashtra, although he did not mention Shinde by name.
Following the video's viral spread on social media, members of Shinde's faction of the Shiv Sena vandalized The Habitat studio in Mumbai's Khar area, where the recording took place.
The day after the incident, Mumbai Police registered a case against Kamra under various sections of the Indian Penal Code related to defamation and public mischief.