Ashwini Vaishnaw Defends Summons to Kunal Kamra Over Remarks on Eknath Shinde

New Delhi: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday defended the summons issued to stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra over his remarks on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, stating that legal action should be taken if required under the law.

Speaking at the Times Now Summit, Vaishnaw, who is also the Information and Broadcasting Minister, emphasized the importance of adhering to constitutional safeguards. “If the law of the land requires it, it should be done,” he said when asked if summoning Kamra was an extreme measure.

The controversy erupted after Kamra, without directly naming Shinde, made remarks about the Deputy CM’s political journey, including his 2022 rebellion that led to the fall of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. The comments, made during a stand-up performance in Mumbai, triggered a strong reaction from Shiv Sena workers, who vandalized the studio where the show was recorded.

Vaishnaw stressed that while freedom of speech is a constitutional right, it comes with safeguards. “We have to work within the framework of the Constitution. Freedom of speech and expression is well laid out, and everybody respects it. But the safeguards on these rights are equally important,” he said.

He further noted that cultural contexts differ across societies, adding, “What is right in Western society might not be right in our society.”

Following a complaint from a Shiv Sena MLA, the Mumbai Police registered an FIR against Kamra for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Shinde.