The Habitat comedy club in Mumbai's Khar area is shutting down in the wake of Shiv Sena workers vandalising the venue where standup-comic Kunal Kamra had performed his controversial bit which included comments against Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.

"We are shocked, worried and extremely broken by the recent acts of vandalism targeting us,” The Habitat said in a statement after being ransacked by Sena workers.

“Artists are solely responsible for their views and creative choices. We have never been involved in the content performed by any Artist, but the recent events have made us rethink about how we get blamed and targeted every time almost like we are a proxy for the performer,” the comedy club said.

The club has decided to shut down temporarily until they find a way to support free expression without risking their safety and property. "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," it added.

This is not the first controversy involving The Habitat. Earlier this year, podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia faced backlash for inappropriate remarks made during a show hosted at the venue, leading to police complaints against him and comedian Samay Raina. The row erupted after Allahbadia's comments about 'parents' sex' sparked outrage, leading to police action in some regions. Multiple complaints were filed against Allahbadia, Samay Raina, and others involved in the show.

Following the recent attack, The Habitat urged for constructive dialogue instead of violence. “We do not support hate or harm of any kind. Violence and destruction undermine the very spirit of art and dialogue,” they posted on Instagram.