'Political satire protected under Constitution': PUCL condemns attack on comedian Kunal Kamra, vandalism at The Habitat, Mumbai

By A Representative 

The People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has strongly condemned the targeting of comedian Kunal Kamra and the vandalism at The Habitat, Mumbai, allegedly carried out by members of the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction). Kamra's satirical show, "Naya Bharat," which critiqued political leadership, went viral on social media after being recorded at The Habitat studio on March 23, 2025.

On March 24, a mob armed with hammers and rods stormed The Habitat, damaging property and disrupting an ongoing performance. Witness accounts indicate that the police were present but did not intervene. Videos of the incident show individuals openly participating in the vandalism, with Shiv Sena leader Rahool Kanal later justifying the attack on national television, citing hurt sentiments.

Following the incident, the Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) demolished an extension of The Habitat without due process, raising concerns about state complicity. The PUCL pointed out that such punitive demolitions, recently declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, are being used as a tool to suppress dissent. The Habitat's management, expressing distress over repeated targeting, has announced a temporary shutdown.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, instead of condemning the violence, labeled Kamra an "urban naxal" and a "traitor," vowing action against him. The PUCL criticized this response, emphasizing that political satire is protected under the Constitution. The organization highlighted past Supreme Court rulings affirming that satire and parody, even if offensive to politicians, fall within the right to free expression.

Two FIRs have been filed—one against Kamra and another against 19 individuals from the mob. Despite video evidence of the violence, the accused were swiftly granted bail, which the PUCL attributes to police complicity. Meanwhile, Kamra faces charges of criminal intimidation and defamation based on a complaint by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel.

The PUCL condemned the actions of the state, the BMC, and the police as violations of constitutional rights. Citing legal precedents, the organization asserted that authorities must protect, not suppress, free speech. It called for the Bombay High Court to take suo motu action against the Mumbai Police and the BMC for their inaction and unlawful demolition. It also demanded legal action against the mob leaders, protection for Kamra, compensation for The Habitat, an inquiry into police misconduct, and the withdrawal of charges against Kamra.

The PUCL further urged political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to uphold the tradition of political satire as a vital part of democracy. It warned that an environment where humor is stifled signals a dangerous shift toward authoritarianism.