Key Points:
- Mumbai Police issues third summons to Kunal Kamra over alleged remarks against Eknath Shinde.
- Kamra posts viral “How to Kill an Artist Democratically” guide criticizing systematic silencing of artists.
- Comedian granted interim anticipatory bail by Madras High Court until April 7.
- Police summons audience members who attended Kamra’s February show for questioning.
Mumbai: Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has intensified his criticism of what he describes as systematic efforts to silence artists, sharing a provocative five-point guide titled “How to Kill an Artist Democratically” on social media platforms Tuesday. This comes as Mumbai Police issued a third summons directing him to appear at Khar Police Station on April 5 in connection with his alleged derogatory remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The 36-year-old comedian, who has failed to appear for questioning despite two previous summons, outlined what he calls a “political weapon” used to suppress artistic expression. His post details a methodical approach to silencing dissent:
“1) Outrage – just enough for brands to stop commissioning their work.
2) Outrage more – until private and corporate gigs dry up.
3) Outrage louder – so big venues won’t take the risk.
4) Outrage violently – until even the smallest spaces shut their doors.
5) Summon their audience for questioning – turning art into a crime scene.”
Kamra concludes that artists are ultimately left with only two choices: “Sell their soul and become a dollar puppet – or wither in silence. This isn’t just a playbook, it’s a political weapon. A silencing machine.”
Legal Troubles Mount as Police Investigation Widens
The controversy stems from Kamra’s “Naya Bharat” show performed in February, where he allegedly referred to Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor) in relation to the 2022 Maharashtra political crisis that led to the fall of Uddhav Thackeray’s government. Following the release of the video on his YouTube channel on March 23, Shiv Sena workers vandalized the Habitat studio where the show was recorded.
Multiple FIRs have been registered against Kamra across Maharashtra. The comedian has been booked under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to defamation and public mischief. On Monday, Khar Police visited his residence in Mumbai’s Mahim area, prompting Kamra to mock their efforts on social media: “Going to an address where I haven’t lived for the last 10 years is a waste of your time and public resources.”
Audience Members Summoned for Questioning
In an unprecedented move, Maharashtra Police have also issued notices to people who attended Kamra’s February 2 show at Habitat Studio. The summons were issued under CrPC Section 179, authorizing police to bring in witnesses for interrogation regarding Kamra’s alleged comments about Shinde.
One banking professional from Navi Mumbai was forced to cut short his vacation in Tamil Nadu and Kerala after receiving a police notice on WhatsApp. The man, who was on a 17-day trip scheduled to end April 6, returned to Mumbai on Monday after police threatened to visit his residence.
Legal Relief and Ongoing Defiance
Kamra received some reprieve on Tuesday when the Madras High Court extended his interim anticipatory bail until April. The comedian, who reportedly moved from Mumbai to Tamil Nadu in 2021, had expressed concerns about potential arrest by Mumbai Police.
Throughout the controversy, Kamra has maintained that he will not apologize for his remarks. In a previous statement, he asserted: “Your inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change the nature of my right.”
As the situation develops, the case has sparked broader discussions about freedom of expression, artistic liberty, and the limits of political satire in India’s current climate.
