Satire | Needed: License raj for stand-up comedians
This satirical piece critiques the increasing regulatory pressure on stand-up comedians in India by proposing a mock 'Licensing Act'. The author highlights the absurdity of current informal censorship by comparing it to highly regulated industries.
Why it matters
It provides a commentary on the shrinking space for free speech and artistic expression in the current Indian political climate.
The government of India has done well to create a vibrant economy that offers few career options for our youth. It has been highly successful in destroying tens of thousands of micro, small, and medium enterprises. Yet inexplicably, it is struggling to kill comedy, a peewee industry of paavam micro-entrepreneurs trying to make a living from poor jokes.
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