Kunal Kamra Denies Seeking Adjournment in MLC Privilege Case, Calls Reports Incorrect

Kunal Kamra Denies Seeking Adjournment in MLC Privilege Case, Calls Reports Incorrect

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has firmly denied seeking an adjournment in the Maharashtra Legislative Council's privileges committee hearing regarding his alleged remarks against Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. He labeled media reports suggesting otherwise as "incorrect" and clarified that it was the panel itself that postponed the scheduled proceedings.

Background of the Privilege Hearing

The committee, chaired by BJP MLC Prasad Lad, summoned Kamra and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare over alleged insulting comments made against Shinde. Initially set for February 5, 2026, the hearing was rescheduled to February 17 after reports indicated the two expressed inability to attend. However, Kamra disputes this narrative, asserting his readiness to cooperate.

Kamra's Detailed Rebuttal

In a detailed post on social media platform X, Kamra explained the sequence of events. He received a summons dated January 23, which was served only on January 29. Despite this short notice, he confirmed his attendance via email on January 30, along with his lawyer. Kamra traveled to Mumbai on February 4 but received a call that evening from a Vidhan Sabha official informing him of the adjournment, followed by a confirming letter.

Key points from Kamra's statement:

• He did not request any adjournment; the committee initiated the deferral.
• The committee's letter explicitly states the adjournment was not at his instance.
• He remains willing to cooperate with the proceedings to ensure fairness.
• He has not been formally notified of the new hearing date, though media reports cite February 17.

Confidentiality Concerns and Media Leaks

Kamra raised significant concerns about confidentiality, noting that while all committee communications emphasized the proceedings were confidential, notices appeared to have been leaked to the media. He alleged that committee chairperson Prasad Lad made public statements about the matter, potentially compromising the integrity of the process.

Origin of the Controversy

The controversy stems from a breach of privilege notice moved by BJP MLC Pravin Darekar against Kamra and Andhare for "derogatory remarks" against Shinde, whose party is part of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance. Breach of privilege refers to actions that undermine the rights and immunities of legislative members.

Kamra's remarks originated from a performance last year where he called Shinde a "traitor" during a modified version of a Hindi song from the movie "Dil To Pagal Hai," referencing Shinde's 2022 rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray. This sparked widespread debate and led to the current legal scrutiny.

Committee's Perspective and Rescheduling

Committee chairperson Prasad Lad told reporters that Kamra communicated his inability to travel to Mumbai for the initial hearing, prompting the rescheduling to February 17. Hearings for Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare and NCP (SP) worker Suryakant More have also been adjusted accordingly. This highlights the ongoing tensions between political figures and public commentators in Maharashtra's volatile political landscape.

The case underscores broader issues of free speech, legislative privilege, and media accuracy in India. As the hearing approaches, all eyes will be on how the committee handles these sensitive proceedings and whether Kamra's claims of misinformation are addressed. The outcome could set precedents for similar cases involving public figures and their expressions in the future.