'There Should Be A Limit': Eknath Shinde Reacts to Kunal Kamra's Controversial Remarks

Mumbai: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has broken his silence on stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra's controversial remarks. The Maharashtra CM has said that while everyone has a freedom of speech, there must be a limit to it. 

Shinde's reaction comes two days after Kunal Kamra made controversial remarks about him, while performing a stand-up comedy set in Mumbai. An FIR has been registered against Kamra and he has also been summoned by the Khar Police Station.

Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde Reacts to Kunal Kamra's Defamatory Remarks

In his first reaction to Kunal Kamra's defamatory remarks about him, Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said that there is freedom of speech but there is a limit. He said, “Freedom of speech is there; we understand satire, but there should be a limit. This is like taking 'supari' (contract) to speak against someone.”

Eknath Shinde also spoke on vandalism of the venue by the Shiv Sainiks, “The other person should also maintain certain level, otherwise, action causes reaction.”

Kunal Kamra Summoned by Khar Police Station

Kunal Kamra has found himself in legal trouble after making a comment mocking Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for switching political allegiances. In the latest update, Kamra has been summoned by Mumbai Police to meet with the investigating officer on March 25 at 11 AM. The Khar Police issued the summon to the comedian's residence, but reports indicate that he is currently not in Mumbai.

Kunal Kamra Issues Statement, Refuses to Apologise

Comedian Kunal Kamra has issued a statement, one on the vandalism of the venue and the other on his remarks. Speaking on the vandalism Kunal Kamra said, “An entertainment venue is merely a platform. A space for all sorts of shows. Habitat (or any other venue) is not responsible for my comedy, nor does it have any power or control over what I say or do. Neither does any political party. Attacking a venue for a comedian's words is as senseless as overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes because you didn't like the butter chicken you were served.”

The second part of the statement reads, “Our right to freedom of speech and expression is not only to be used to fawn over the powerful and rich even though today’s media would have us believe otherwise. Your inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change the nature of my right.”