Key Points:
- Comedian Kunal Kamra moves Madras High Court for transit anticipatory bail after FIR over parody targeting Eknath Shinde.
- Shiv Sena workers vandalized Mumbai’s Habitat Comedy Club following Kamra’s controversial act.
- Kamra faces copyright strike from T-Series over his stand-up special Naya Bharat.
New Delhi: Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra is at the center of a political and legal storm after his parody targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde sparked outrage among Shiv Sena supporters. Kamra has approached the Madras High Court seeking transit anticipatory bail to avoid arrest following an FIR filed against him in Mumbai. The controversy has also led to vandalism, copyright disputes, and heated debates over artistic freedom.
Legal Troubles and Bail Plea
Kamra filed for transit anticipatory bail in the Madras High Court on Friday, citing threats to his safety. The FIR against him was lodged under Sections 353(1)(b), 353(2) (public mischief), and 356(2) (defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel. The case was later transferred to the Khar Police Station in Mumbai. Kamra’s lawyers made an urgent mention before Justice Sunder Mohan, and the plea will be heard during the court’s afternoon session.
Kamra, a resident of Villupuram in Tamil Nadu, argued that he requires protection due to receiving death threats after his performance. Mumbai Police had summoned him for questioning but denied his request for a week’s extension.
Shiv Sena Outrage and Vandalism
The controversy erupted after Kamra performed a parody song during his stand-up special Naya Bharat, referring to Shinde as a “traitor” in the context of his split from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena. Following the act, Shiv Sena workers vandalized The Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, where Kamra’s show was recorded, as well as the hotel premises housing the club. Video footage showed chairs being smashed and property damaged.
Police arrested 12 Shiv Sena workers, including Yuva Sena leader Rahool Kanal, for their involvement in the vandalism. The suspects were granted bail hours after their arrest. Kanal defended their actions, claiming they acted “in the heat of the moment” after feeling insulted by Kamra’s remarks.
Copyright Dispute with T-Series
Adding to Kamra’s troubles, Bollywood music label T-Series issued a copyright strike against his YouTube video Naya Bharat, blocking its visibility and monetization. The video featured parodies of songs like Hawa Hawai from Mr. India and Bholi Si Surat from Dil To Pagal Hai. T-Series claimed Kamra used their musical compositions without authorization.
Kamra responded on social media, asserting that parody falls under fair use laws. He accused T-Series of stifling creative expression, calling them “stooges” and describing monopolies in India as “mafia-like.” Despite the strike, Kamra’s video amassed over 6.8 million views before its visibility was restricted.
Kamra’s Defiance
Despite mounting pressure, Kamra has refused to apologize for his remarks or back down from his stance on free speech. In a statement, he said, “I will not apologize or hide under the bed waiting for this controversy to die down.” He continues to defend satire as a legitimate form of critique against powerful public figures.
Broader Implications
Kamra’s case has reignited debates over freedom of speech, artistic expression, and copyright laws in India. Supporters argue that satire should be protected under fair use, while critics accuse Kamra of crossing ethical boundaries. Politicians like Priyanka Chaturvedi and filmmaker Hansal Mehta have voiced support for Kamra, while BJP leaders and actor Kangana Ranaut have criticized him for disrespecting Shinde.
The legal proceedings are ongoing as Kamra battles both political backlash and corporate restrictions on his content. His defiance highlights the tension between creative freedom and political sensitivities in India today.
