Maharashtra Legislative Council Issues Notice to Comedian Kunal Kamra Over Satirical Remarks
Show Cause Notice Issued
The Privileges Committee of the Maharashtra Legislative Council has resolved to send a show cause notice to comedian Kunal Kamra due to his satirical comments directed at Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, as reported on Tuesday.
This decision was made unanimously by the committee, which consists of 11 members, according to its chairperson, Prasad Lad from the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Additionally, a notice will also be issued to Sushma Andhare, a spokesperson for the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray).
The committee's action against Kamra stems from allegations of mocking Shinde and disrespecting the Maharashtra legislature and the state itself. Andhare is being notified for her support of Kamra and her similar comments.
The judicial segment of the committee is currently assessing the proposal, with notices anticipated to be dispatched by the week's end.
A breach of privilege motion against both Kamra and Andhare was filed during the Budget session by BJP MLC Pravin Darekar. Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde subsequently forwarded this motion to the Privileges Committee in June.
Those receiving the notice must provide a written response within 15 days. Failure to comply may result in additional notices, and after three ignored notices, the committee can instruct the police to make an arrest. The individuals can then appear before the committee, either in person, through legal representation, or by issuing an apology.
According to the committee chairperson, the committee's decision will be final, stating that even the courts lack jurisdiction over this matter.
On March 23, Kamra released a video on his YouTube channel where he seemingly criticized Shinde while performing a satirical rendition of a Hindi film song.
In his performance, Kamra referred to Shinde as a “traitor” in relation to the latter's 2022 rebellion against former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, although he did not mention Shinde by name.
Following the viral spread of performance clips on social media, members of Shinde's faction of the Shiv Sena vandalized The Habitat studio in Mumbai's Khar area, where the performance was filmed.
The following day, the Mumbai Police initiated a case against Kamra under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to defamation and public mischief. Kamra has been summoned for questioning three times but has yet to appear.
On April 16, the Bombay High Court granted Kamra interim protection from arrest until the case could be heard. This protection was made permanent on April 25.
Previously, the Madras High Court also extended interim protection from arrest to Kamra until April 17.