ARC Calls on Indian Authorities to Drop Charges Against Comedian
India
Comedian Kunal Kamra Charged Following Complaints by Right-Wing Politician; Comedy Club Ransacked
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1 April 2025
(NEW YORK) – Artists at Risk Connection (ARC) calls on the Indian police in Mumbai to drop the charges filed against Indian comedian Kunal Kamra and for the authorities to prosecute the perpetrators who attacked The Habitat, a prominent cultural venue in Mumbai. On 24 March, 2025, following the release of a recorded performance on YouTube, Kamra was summoned for police interrogation and charged with defamation after a complaint was lodged by Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister. In the routine, Kamra referenced publicly known incidents involving the politician. That same day, supporters of Shinde’s Shiv Sena party vandalized The Habitat, and shortly thereafter, municipal authorities arrived to demolish part of the venue. ARC is deeply concerned about state-enabled reprisals against artists and cultural spaces, and calls on Indian authorities to ensure that freedom of artistic expression is protected.
“The coordinated targeting of comedian Kunal Kamra and The Habitat by Indian state authorities and political supporters is a dangerous assault on artistic freedom in India,” said Julie Trébault, ARC’s Executive Director. “The criminalization of comedy and the deliberate destruction of independent cultural spaces are a clear violation of the fundamental right to freedom of expression and cultural rights under international law. These repressive tactics stand in stark contrast to India’s democratic values and must be unequivocally condemned and halted.”
On 28 March, the Madras High Court granted the comedian bail to allow him to travel to Tamil Nadu, where he resides. Police have ordered him to return for further questioning on 31 March.
Kunal Kamra is well known in the Indian stand-up comedy scene, with clips of his performances receiving millions of views on social media. He has faced challenges before over his comedy, with entertainment and political figures complaining and even suing him following their being referenced in his shows.
The Habitat has faced attacks since its opening in 2016. Just last month, the Mumbai police visited The Habitat following explicit statements made by Ranveer Allahbadia during the broadcast of India’s Got Latent, a regular show recorded at the club. On 24 March, the venue announced its temporary closure on Instagram, “We are shutting down till we figure out the best way to provide a platform for free expression without putting ourselves and our property in jeopardy.”
About ARC
Artists at Risk Connection (ARC) is an international organization committed to promoting and advancing the right to artistic freedom worldwide. Founded in 2017, ARC works to protect artists and cultural workers who are at risk because of their creative expression, often connected to their identities or roles within their communities. By providing vital resources and support, ARC helps artists at risk overcome challenges like persecution, censorship, threats, and violence from both state and non-state actors—whether for their artistic expression or the broader impact they have on cultural, social, and political issues.
For press inquiries, please contact:
Adam Shapiro
Deputy Director of Programs
Artists at Risk Connection (ARC)
ashapiro@artistsatriskconnection.org
+1-202-294-8813