Comedy turned into tragedy for Kiku Sharda who plays ‘Palak’ in the popular show ‘Comedy nights with Kapil’ for mimicking self-styled godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh but are these professional godman too above law as they loot their followers day in and day out in broad daylight? Comedy though is fun and entertainment but these standout comedians should not make personal attacks on religious sentiments which hurt the public as well as famous personalities beyond a point where it gets ugly.
India is a democratic country but that does even augur well for godman to play with public sentiment by prescribing things which are illogical and dangerous for preachers and followers just as artists who too should be within their limits enacting their roles in the world of entertainment. Section 295A which deals against abuse it seems is outdated which should be re-drafted so that public interest is protected and at the same time freedom of speech too is not hurt in the bargain. One feels the comedians as well as self-styled godman are abusing their profession at the moment for popularity and money and a proper legal law is the need of the hour to keep them in check!
S.N. Kabra
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
