‘Joke’ on Eknath Shinde: Kunal Kamra moves Madras HC seeking transit anticipatory bail, hearing today

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra reportedly approached the Madras High Court on Friday, seeking transit anticipatory bail in connection with an FIR lodged against him over his controversial video. The hearing in the case is scheduled for today (Friday, March 28)

The case pertained to remarks he made during a stand-up show, apparently targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. He didn't name Shinde in his stand-up; however, Shinde's supporters alleged that Kamra had called the Shiv Sena chief a “gaddar (traitor)” while referring to his split from the Shiv Sena.

According to Live Law, Kamra is a permanent resident of Villupuram town in Tamil Nadu and therefore, he claimed that the Madras High Court has jurisdiction in the matter.

An urgent mentioning of the case was made before Justice Sunder Mohan on Friday (March 28), the report added.

Earlier, a Zero FIR was lodged against Kunal 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 controversy

The video, shared by Kunal Kamra on Instagram, triggered a massive uproar in the Maharashtra political circles.

During his show, the comedian performed a parody of a popular Hindi song from the 1997 film “Dil Toh Pagal Hai”. He apparently referred to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor).

This angered Shinde supporters, Shiv Sainiks and the ruling Mahayuti in Maharashtra.

Angry over Kamra's remarks, a group of Shiv Sena workers vandalised Mumbai's Habitat studio, where the comedian had performed the show. Twelve people were arrested in connection with the violence that had erupted and were subsequently granted bail.

Kamra reacted to the incident in a post on Instagram. He said, “An entertainment venue is merely a platform. A space for all sorts of shows. Habitat (or any other venue) is not responsible for my comedy, nor does it have any power or control over what I say or do.”

“Neither does any political party. Attacking a venue for a comedian's words is as senseless as overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes, because you didn't like the butter chicken you were served,” the comedian added.