Kunal Kamra Seeks Transit Anticipatory Bail In Madras HC Over 'Gaddar' Joke On Eknath Shinde

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has turned to the Madras High Court, requesting transit anticipatory bail after several FIRs were filed against him over alleged remarks about Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister.

Known for his biting satire and candid opinions, Kamra has landed in hot water following complaints that accuse him of making offensive comments. The FIRs, registered in Maharashtra, have led the comedian to seek legal safeguards against arrest as he gears up to challenge the allegations.

Kamra, a permanent resident of Villupuram town in Tamil Nadu, argues that the Madras High Court has jurisdiction over his plea. His case was urgently brought before Justice Sunder Mohan on Friday, 28 March, according to Live Law.

A Zero FIR was filed against Kamra under Sections 353(1)(b), 353(2) [Public mischief] and 356(2) [Defamation] of the BNS by Shiv Sena MLA Muraji Patel. The case was subsequently transferred to Khar police station in Mumbai.

Kamra's parody song about a "gaddar" (traitor) didn't name anyone explicitly but incensed members of Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena faction, who vandalised the Habitat studio in Mumbai where he performed and lodged complaints claiming the act defamed their leader.

Kamra refused to appear before Mumbai police, citing death threats from party members, and requested a week's extension to comply.

Shinde has distanced himself from his party workers' violent actions but remarked that Kamra's humour was in poor taste.

Over the weekend, Shinde's supporters trashed the Habitat studio in Mumbai's Khar area, forcing it to close temporarily. By Wednesday, around a dozen police officers had sealed off the venue, its signage obscured.

Shinde rose to prominence as Maharashtra's Chief Minister in 2022 after orchestrating a rebellion within the Shiv Sena, severing its alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party. He later assumed the role of Deputy Chief Minister in a subsequent government.

Fans deduced Shinde's identity from traits alluded to in Kamra's song.

Several BJP lawmakers cautioned against misusing freedom of speech.

Nevertheless, Kamra received widespread backing online and beyond, with his YouTube video of the performance racking up over 6 million views and more than 58,000 comments in just two days. Many viewers contributed donations, supporting his refusal to apologise.

Kamra is no stranger to controversy, having faced multiple criminal cases in the past, including a six-month airline ban in 2020 after he confronted a senior journalist on a flight.