Maharashtra’s Khar Police have summoned stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra in connection with an FIR filed over his recent performance.
The police have asked Kamra to appear before the investigating officer at 11 AM today.
According to Mumbai Police, Kamra is currently not in the city.
The FIR, originally registered by MIDC Police, later handed over to Khar Police for further inquiry.
The case stems from Kamra’s alleged comments targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during his latest comedy special.
The controversy escalated on Sunday after Shiv Sena workers vandalized the Mumbai venue that hosted the show.
In response to the backlash, Kamra issued a public statement on social media, refusing to apologize for his content.
Kunal Kamra Defends Performance Venues
Addressing the criticism, Kamra clarified that performance venues simply provide space and should not bear responsibility for what artists say on stage.
Kamra in his statement remarked, “An entertainment venue is merely a platform. A space for all sorts of shows. Habitat (or any other venue) is not responsible for my comedy, nor does it have any power or control over what I say or do. Neither does any political party. Attacking a venue for a comedian’s words is as senseless as overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes because you didn’t like someone serving you butter chicken.”
Calls For Equal Action Against Violence
He also expressed his willingness to comply with any lawful investigation and questioned whether officials would take equal action against those who responded with violence.
“However, I am willing to cooperate with the police and courts for any lawful action taken against me. But will the law be fairly and equally deployed against those who have decided that vandalism is the appropriate response to being offended by a joke? And against the unelected members of the BMC, who have arrived today at Habitat, without prior notice, and tore the place down with hammers? Perhaps for my next venue, I will opt for Elphinstone bridge, or any other structure in Mumbai that’s in need of speedy demolition,” Kamra quipped.
