Key Points
- The Madras High Court extended stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra’s interim anticipatory bail until April 17, 2025, in connection with multiple FIRs filed against him over remarks about Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.
- Kamra’s parody performance at Mumbai’s Habitat Studio sparked backlash, leading to vandalism by Shiv Sena workers and legal action against the comedian.
- Kamra has approached the Bombay High Court to quash the FIRs, citing infringement on his constitutional rights.
Chennai: The Madras High Court on Monday extended interim anticipatory bail for stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra until April 17, providing temporary protection against arrest in connection with multiple FIRs lodged in Mumbai. The FIRs stem from Kamra’s controversial remarks during a comedy show, where he allegedly referred to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as “gaddar” (traitor).
Background of the Controversy
The controversy began after Kamra performed his comedy special, Naya Bharat, at Mumbai’s Habitat Studio in February 2025. During the show, Kamra sang a parody of the Bollywood song Bholi Si Surat, indirectly targeting Shinde for his role in splitting the Shiv Sena and toppling the Uddhav Thackeray-led government in 2022. A video of the performance was uploaded on YouTube, sparking outrage among Shiv Sena workers.
Shiv Sena MLA Muraji Patel filed a complaint against Kamra, alleging defamation under Sections 353(1)(b), 353(2) (public mischief), and 356(2) (defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Following this, Shiv Sena supporters vandalized Habitat Studio and disrupted Kamra’s performances. The police registered multiple FIRs and issued summons to Kamra, which he has not yet responded to.
Legal Developments
Kamra sought interim anticipatory bail from the Madras High Court last month, citing threats to his safety and harassment of his elderly parents by authorities. Justice Sunder Mohan extended Kamra’s protection on Monday and advised him to approach appropriate courts for further relief.
Kamra has also moved the Bombay High Court to quash the FIRs against him. His legal counsel argued that the case infringes on Kamra’s constitutional rights under Articles 19 and 21, including freedom of speech and expression. The Bombay High Court is set to hear his plea on Tuesday, April 8.
Hostility Toward Kamra
Kamra’s counsel informed the Madras High Court that authorities have continued to display hostility toward him:
- Police visited Kamra’s parental home in Mumbai, disturbing his elderly parents.
- Audience members from his comedy show were summoned for questioning.
Kamra stated that he relocated to Tamil Nadu in 2021 to lead a quieter life but now faces threats preventing him from traveling to Mumbai.
Political Fallout
The incident has escalated into a political row:
- Shiv Sena workers have demanded Kamra’s immediate arrest.
- Opposition leaders criticized the BJP-led government for targeting comedians while ignoring similar remarks against other political figures.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw defended police action against Kamra, stating it was necessary under the law.
