Kunal Kamra Directed to Appear Before Maharashtra Council Panel on February 17
Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has been instructed to personally appear before the Maharashtra Legislative Council's Privilege Committee on February 17. This development follows a breach of privilege motion passed against him concerning his remarks about Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Committee Chairman Confirms Kamra's Initial Absence
Prasad Lad, the Chairman of the Legislative Council's Privilege Committee, stated on Wednesday that Kamra had communicated his inability to attend the first mandatory hearing scheduled for that day. "Kunal Kamra has communicated his inability to appear today. He has now been given February 17 to depose before the committee," Lad confirmed.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy stems from a video posted by Kamra on his YouTube channel in March last year. The video featured a stand-up act with a parody song referencing Shinde's rebellion against the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in 2022. In the song, Kamra used the term "gaddar (traitor)", which sparked significant backlash.
The video triggered:
- Violent reactions from the Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction
- Heated debates in both Houses of the Maharashtra legislature
- A breach of privilege motion moved by BJP MLC Pravin Darekar, who alleged the remarks insulted a popular leader and breached the House's privilege
Other Cases Rescheduled by the Committee
The Privilege Committee has also adjusted the hearing dates for two other individuals:
- Sushma Andhare, a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, who faces a separate breach of privilege motion for a video supporting Kamra. She cited busy campaigning for Zilla Parishad elections and has been asked to appear on February 17.
- Suryakant More, an NCP (SP) worker, accused of making alleged derogatory remarks against Legislative Council chairman Ram Shinde. He cited traffic on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and has been directed to appear on February 16.
Committee's Procedure and Next Steps
Chairman Prasad Lad emphasized that the committee is required to grant three mandatory hearings, with Wednesday's session being the first. All three individuals missed this initial hearing. "Prima facie, they have committed an offence. Once they depose before the committee, we will show them their videos and the hearing will be recorded," Lad explained.
The committee's actions highlight the ongoing tensions between political expression and legislative privilege in Maharashtra, setting the stage for significant hearings in mid-February that could have broader implications for free speech and political commentary in the state.
