Hafta 530: Kunal Kamra controversy, Justice Yashwant Varma cash case, Delhi budget

7 snips

Mar 29, 2025

In this lively discussion, comedian and screenwriter Anuvab Pal shares his insights on the Kunal Kamra controversy and its implications for free speech in India. He emphasizes the cautious approach comedians must take regarding public sensitivities. The panel also delves into the intriguing case of burnt cash tied to Justice Yashwant Varma, raising questions about judicial integrity. Additionally, they analyze the Delhi budget's significant increase, highlighting the central government's financial influence. Tune in for a blend of humor and critical commentary!

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INSIGHT

Supreme Court on Free Speech

Supreme Court quashes Gujarat FIR against Congress MP over a poem, emphasizing free speech.
Judges must protect free speech, even if they dislike the content, upholding Article 19.1.

ANECDOTE

Kunal Kamra Controversy

Kunal Kamra's song, referencing traitors, seemingly targeted Eknath Shinde.
Shiv Sena vandalized the venue, The Habitat, and Kamra was summoned by Mumbai police.

ANECDOTE

Comedians and Self-Censorship

Comedians are careful about names mentioned online, especially when criticizing individuals.
Anuvab Pal highlighted the potential repercussions, citing the vandalism of Kunal Kamra's venue.

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This week on Hafta, Newslaundry’s Abhinandan Sekhri, Raman Kirpal, Jayashree Arunachalam, and Anand Vardhan are joined by comedian and screenwriter Anuvab Pal.

The panel first discusses the Kunal Kamra controversy. Jayashree lays down the timeline of incidents and Abhinandan highlights the Supreme Court’s comments on free speech in the Imran Pratapgarhi case.

Anuvab says: “We [comedians] take very special care of the names we mention, especially if the video is supposed to go up online…I don’t see any mobs in defense of Kunal Kamra – just the mobs that vandalised the venue in Mumbai.”

“It’s always the sidekicks who want to please the master”, Anand remarks.

“Now we know who the real Shiv Sena is!” says Jayashree on the vandalism by Eknath Shinde’s followers at The Habitat.

The panel then digs into the mystery of burnt piles of cash found at Justice Yashwant Varma’s official residence last week and the subsequent inquiry into the matter. “There are too many inconsistencies in how it played out”, Jayashree says.

Raman then briefly summarises the Delhi government’s recently announced budget for the 2026 financial year. On how the center has now “started doling out money” for Delhi, he says: “This year, Rs 24,000 crore more was provided by the centre. This shows that the previous government was gagged.”

This and a lot more. Tune in!

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Timecodes

00:00:00 – Introductions and announcements

00:04:47 – Headlines

00:14:37 – Kunal Kamra controversy

01:06:27 – Justice Varma cash row

01:23:48 – Delhi budget

01:26:50 – Letters

01:48:06 – Recommendations

Check out previous Hafta recommendations, references, songs and letters

Produced and recorded by Priyali Dhingra, Ashish Anand, and Anil Kumar.

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