Freedom of speech has limitations, Kunal Kamra should apologise: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis

Kunal Kamra

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said comedian Kunal Kamra has to apologise over comments against Eknath Shinde.

"There is freedom to do stand-up comedy, but he cannot speak whatever he wants. The people of Maharashtra have decided who the traitor is. Kunal Kamra should apologise. This will not be tolerated. There is the right to comedy, but if it is being done to defame our Dy CM Eknath Shinde purposely, it is not right. Kunal Kamra has posted the same red Constitution book shown by Rahul Gandhi. Both of them have not read the Constitution. The Constitution allows us freedom of speech, but it has limitations. People have voted and supported us in the assembly elections in 2024. Those who were traitors were sent home by the people. The people showed those who insulted the mandate and ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray their place. One may create humour, but making derogatory statements cannot be accepted. One cannot encroach on others' freedom and ideology. This cannot be justified as the Freedom of speech." he said.

VIDEO | Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) speaks on the stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra controversy."The way stand-up comedian (Kunal) Kamra tried to humiliate Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde is wrong. We condemn this. Such things can't be tolerated. Kamra pic.twitter.com/NdZREORQ7k
Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 24, 2025

The MIDC police station in Mumbai registered a Zero FIR Monday against comedian Kamra for cracking an allegedly objectionable joke on  Shinde during a standup comedy show.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said  "one should speak within their rights".  "...I have observed that no one should go beyond the law, constitution, and rules. One should speak within their rights. Differences of opinion may exist, but care must be taken to ensure that the police department does not have to intervene due to their statements." said Pawar.

Kamra sang a parody version of "Bholi Si Surat", a popular song from the 1997 blockbuster Dil To Pagal Hai allegedly targeting Eknath Shinde . He used the 'gaddar' (traitor) jibe against the Shiv Sena leader, who led a rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray in 2022.