Maharashtra government seeks Kunal Kamra’s apology for his joke on Shinde

Maharashtra government demands apology from comedian Kunal Kamra over political stand-up, sparking controversy and legal action.

The Maharashtra government on Monday (March 24, 2025) sought an apology from comedian Kunal Kamra over his stand-up on Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, calling it a political ‘contract act’. The government said it would also check his CDRs and bank statements “to ascertain who is behind this”.

Meanwhile, the BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) razed the illegal structure outside the Habitat studio and said it would screen the location for any further illegalities. The action came amid Opposition’s criticism against the government over its intolerance to jokes and comments. The issue rocked the Maharashtra Assembly session as the Mahayuti leaders demanded action in both the Houses, creating a ruckus over it. “Freedom [of expression] can’t be allowed to turn into arbitrariness,” Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.

A First Information Report has been registered against the stand-up comedian by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel under Sections 353(1)(b), 353(2) and 356(2) of the BNS at the MIDC police station in Mumbai.

Earlier in the day, the Mumbai Police arrested 12 Shiv Sainiks, including Shiv Sena social media in-charge Rahool Kanal, over the vandalism of The Unicontinental Hotel in Khar where the comedy show was performed. They were released on bail in a few hours.

Mr. Fadnavis said Mr. Kamra could not “save himself of his sins by showing Rahul Gandhi’s Constitution.”

“He holds the Constitution which Rahul Gandhi holds too. Neither of them read it. There is a limitation to freedom of expression,” he said.

“The way stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has tried to insult Eknath Shinde, we condemn it. The people of Maharashtra have decided in the 2024 election as to who is a ‘gaddar’ (traitor) and who is a ‘khuddar’ (self-respecting person). Everyone has the right to do comedy. But if there is an intentional effort to insult and defame a top leader, it won’t be tolerated. Proper legal action will be taken. Kunal Kamra should apologise,” he demanded.