Kunal Kamra Summoned Again as Free Speech Row Deepens Over Eknath Shinde Parody

Mumbai Police have set a March 31 deadline for the comedian to appear, while political and public debates escalate over satire, legal actions, and threats against Kamra.

Kunal Kamra has been issued a second summons by Mumbai Police to appear on March 31, following his refusal to comply with an earlier notice regarding alleged defamatory remarks against Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.
The comedian has received over 500 death threats, reportedly from Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) supporters, after releasing a parody song calling Shinde a 'traitor.'
Shiv Sena workers vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai, leading to its closure and subsequent demolition by the BMC, which cited building violations.
Kamra has refused to apologize for his remarks, asserting his right to free speech and framing the issue as a broader challenge to democratic values.
The controversy has polarized political opinions, with opposition leaders criticizing the government’s response as suppressive, while Shiv Sena leaders claim Kamra’s actions were financially motivated and defamatory.