Comedian Kunal Kamra stands firm, rejects apology before Maharashtra panel

Comedian Kunal Kamra appeared before the Maharashtra legislature’s Privileges Committee after a breach of privilege notice was issued against him for remarks targeting Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Kamra categorically refused to apologise, stating that any apology would be insincere and set a harmful precedent for artistes’ freedom.

Mumbai: Comedian Kunal Kamra on Thursday appeared before a committee of the Maharashtra legislature and stated that he did not feel any remorse over his remarks targeting Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, nor would he tender an apology.

He later shared on social media that he stood by his statements and would not tender an “insincere” apology.

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A committee was constituted to examine the complaint against Kamra after a breach of privilege notice was issued against him.

“The way I remember the last three questions of my cross-examination this evening — Do you feel remorse? No. Are you sorry about what you said? No. If you tender an unconditional apology, this matter will be looked at differently — No, I can’t, as the apology would not be sincere. Also, it would set a terrible precedent for other artists and their freedom,” he wrote.

Earlier, chairman of the privileges committee Prasad Lad said that a complaint had been filed by Pravin Darekar, a BJP Member of the Legislative Council, against Kunal Kamra.

“Cross-questioning of both Kunal Kamra and Pravin Darekar took place today. Around 24 questions were asked to Kunal Kamra,” Lad said.

“Questions were also raised about constitutional rights and the rights of the Privileges Committee. He answered all the questions. The committee also informed him that if he offers an unconditional apology, the matter would be considered differently. His lawyer stated that they would discuss this with him and send their response to the committee in writing via email,” Lad added.