DGCA Issues Statement In Comedian Kunal Kamra Banning Incident

Imran Asif Fazal |Jan 30, 2020

Kunal Kamra has been previously assaulted for criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi post demonetization.

Kunal Kamra was immediately banned by IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet and GoAir for heckling prominent television news anchor Arnab Goswami. The aviation regulator however have doubts on the intentions of these airlines. After news of banning Kunal Kamra from flying on these airlines, netizens took to trolling these airlines and also slammed the BJP government for letting Air India ban a passenger without adequate enquiry.

Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri cited that due to Kunal Kamra safety issues were raised. This could have led to a scuffle and was in clear violation of air safety rules. He claimed that Kamra's act was designed to provoke and such offensive behaviour was unacceptable. He further said that such misbehaviour was not tolerated which involves issues related to air safety. Arun Kumar, Director of general Directorate General of Civil Aviation revealed that an enquiry will be initiated by the internal committee within 30 days.

As per DGCA guidelines, an airline is within its rights to impose a temporary ban during the period of the deliberations—capped at 30 days—by an internal panel led by a retired district and sessions judge. But IndiGo went ahead to ban Kunal Kamra for direct six months. DGCA also states punishment for disruptive behaviour such as verbal harassment which leads to three month ban. Physical abusive behavior leads to six month ban and those guilty of life-threatening behaviour warranting a ban of at least two years.

Meanwhile, Kunal Kamra has gathered a huge support online. His previous controversy was due to his stand up comedy act which slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi post demonetization. His several comedy shows were cancelled due to the uproar. He was later assaulted by a mob when he went to perform at a comedy show.