Overview

• 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.