On April 9, comedian Kunal Kamra refused to tender an “unconditional apology” to the privilege committee of the Maharashtra Legislative Council which had summoned him for his “derogatory remarks” about Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
A year before, in March 2025, Kamra had posted a video of his stand-up comedy act on YouTube that included a satirical song mocking Shinde as a “traitor” for breaking ranks with the undivided Shiv Sena in July 2022 and joining the Bharatiya Janata Party, bringing down the Maha Vikas Aghadi-led state government.
Soon after, BJP legislator Pravin Darekar had moved a breach of privilege motion, claiming that Kamra’s jokes lowered the dignity of the House. Sushma Andhare, spokesperson for the Shiv Sena’s UBT faction, was also summoned for purportedly offering Kamra support.
A breach of privilege motion is a formal proceeding in which a legislature issues summons and can potentially punish any person, member or non-member who is alleged to have obstructed or brought the House into disrepute.
In response to the committee’s questions on Thursday, Kamra said he could not tender an “unconditional apology” as that “would not be sincere” and set a “terrible precedent for artists and their freedom”.
Legislative privilege is an extension of the colonial British legal system and its weaponisation against political satire...
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