Privilege hearing in Kunal Kamra case adjourned after complainant’s absence; next date set for March 10

Privilege hearing in Kunal Kamra case adjourned after complainant’s absence; next date set for March 10

• Kunal Kamra faced Maharashtra Council panel for parody song
• Hearing adjourned to March 10 as complainant Darekar was absent
• Kamra and Sushma Andhare to record statements at next hearing

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Stand-up comedian and political satirist Kunal Kamra appeared before the Privileges Committee of the Maharashtra Legislative Council on Tuesday in connection with a breach of privilege motion filed over a controversial parody song that referenced Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

The committee hearing, however, was adjourned to March 10, after the main complainant, BJP leader Pravin Darekar, failed to attend the proceedings.

Kunal was joined by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare, who also faces the complaint for sharing or supporting the parody content. Both appeared before the panel at Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai, prepared to present their statements, but committee chairperson Prasad Lad said the statements could not be formally recorded in the absence of the complainant.

The next hearing has been scheduled for 4 PM on March 10, when both sides are expected to give their accounts in each other’s presence.

According to a report by PTI, committee chairman Prasad Lad said, “Mr Kamra told the committee that he was ready to record his statement now. However, it wouldn’t be appropriate to record his statement in the absence of the complainant. It was decided that statements from both sides would be recorded on the same day, and after discussing with Mr. Darekar, it was decided to keep the hearing on March 10 at 4 PM.”

The controversy dates back to a performance by Kamra last year in which he sang a satirical version of a popular Hindi film song, widely interpreted as a jab at Shinde’s role in the 2022 Maharashtra political revolt against then Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s government. The parody was recorded and circulated online, drawing sharp criticism from political leaders and supporters of Shinde’s faction. It even sparked an incident in which a group of Shiv Sena workers allegedly vandalised the venue where the performance took place.

Pravin Darekar’s notice accused Kunal and Sushma of making “derogatory remarks” that insulted the dignity of the legislative house, triggering the breach of privilege proceedings. Kamra, known for his outspoken humour and political commentary, later responded that he respects the Constitution of India and is willing to cooperate with the inquiry. Reports say he felt safe attending the hearing despite earlier threats from some political quarters.