Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has approached the Madras High Court on Friday seeking transit anticipatory bail after an FIR was registered against him in Mumbai.
The case stems from alleged remarks he made about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a recent performance.
Case Background
Kamra, a permanent resident of Villupuram in Tamil Nadu, has claimed that the Madras High Court has jurisdiction over his plea. The case was mentioned for urgent hearing before Justice Sunder Mohan on March 28.
A Zero FIR was initially registered against Kamra based on a complaint by Shiv Sena MLA Muraji Patel. The FIR was lodged under Sections 353(1)(b), 353(2) (Public Mischief), and 356(2) (Defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). It was later transferred to the Khar police station in Mumbai.
Allegations Against Kamra
Although Kamra did not explicitly name Deputy CM Eknath Shinde in his performance, Shiv Sena workers allege that he referred to Shinde as a “traitor,” in reference to his split from the Shiv Sena. The remarks were reportedly made during a stand-up comedy show, leading to backlash from party supporters.
Legal Action
Following Kamra’s remarks, a group of Shiv Sena workers vandalized the Habitat Studio in Mumbai, where he had performed. The police arrested 12 people in connection with the incident, and they were later granted bail.
Kamra’s counsel informed the court that the comedian has been receiving death threats after the show. Seeking protection from arrest, he has filed for transit anticipatory bail to avoid immediate detention in Mumbai.
Court is scheduled to hear Kamra’s plea later today after recess.
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