Comedian Kunal Kamra moves Madras High Court seeking anticipatory bail amid FIRs

He had received FIRs for his remarks against Maharashtra’s Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.

Comedian Kunal Kamra made it to the headlines for passing remarks in one of his gigs in Mumbai on Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra’s Deputy CM, calling him a “gaddar” (traitor). This resulted in the vandalisation of The Habitat, the comedy club where he performed the gig and also FIRs against him. However, he has now sought anticipatory bail from Madras High Court amid FIRs against him.

Kunal Kamra moves Madras High Court seeking anticipatory bail.

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra approached the Madras High Court, seeking transit anticipatory bail after multiple FIRs were lodged against him for his alleged remarks on Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. KunalKamra is known for his satirical comedy and outspoken views; he has been facing legal trouble following complaints accusing him of making derogatory comments. The FIRs have been registered in Maharashtra, prompting Kamra to seek legal protection from arrest while he prepares to contest the charges. He is a permanent resident of Villupuram town in Tamil Nadu. Thus, he claims that the Madras High Court has jurisdiction. On Friday, March 28, an urgent mention of the case was made before Justice Sunder Mohan, reported Live Law.

Kunal Kamra’s parody song.

Kamra’s parody song about a “gaddar” (traitor) didn’t identify anyone. Still, it angered Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena party workers, who ransacked the performance site Habitat Studio in Mumbai and complained to police that his gig defamed the leader. A Zero FIR was lodged against Kamra under Sections 353(1)(b), 353(2) [Public mischief] and 356(2) [Defamation] BNS by Shiv Sena MLA Muraji Patel. The FIR was later transferred to Khar police station in Mumbai.

Kunal Kamra declined to appear before police in Mumbai, citing death threats against him by party members and sought a week to do so. Eknath Shinde, meanwhile, said he didn’t support violence by his party workers. However, he added that Kamra’s jokes were not in good taste.