Minister Defends Action Against Comedian Kunal Kamra Over Shinde References

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw defended legal actions against comedian Kunal Kamra for his remarks on Maharashtra's Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, emphasizing adherence to the law. Kamra's comments led to political upheaval and an FIR, sparking debate on freedom of speech within cultural contexts.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday defended the issuance of summons to stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, who made remarks about Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Vaishnaw asserted that compliance with the nation's legal framework mandates such actions if necessary.

Kamra, known for his political satire, incited a significant political upheaval in Maharashtra by critiquing Shinde in a recent show in Mumbai. This stirred controversies, resulting in the registration of an FIR against Kamra by Mumbai Police, based on a complaint from a Shiv Sena MLA.

Vaishnaw, speaking at the Times Now Summit, highlighted the balance of rights and safeguards within India's Constitution, noting cultural differences in the perception of free speech. His remarks emphasized the importance of adhering to constitutional frameworks to maintain societal harmony.

(With inputs from agencies.)