Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has been granted transit anticipatory bail by the District Munsif-cum-Judicial Magistrate Court in Vanur, Tamil Nadu, following legal action over a satirical remark targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Kamra had initially approached the Madras High Court seeking temporary protection from arrest. A Zero FIR was initially registered against him by Shiv Sena MLA Muraji Patel under Sections 353(1)(b) and 353(2) (related to public mischief) and 356(2) (concerning defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The case was subsequently transferred to the Khar police station in Mumbai.
The High Court provided him interim relief until 7 April 2025 and directed him to approach the appropriate lower court for further proceedings. Complying with this order, Kamra appeared before the Vanur court, which subsequently granted him transit bail.
The controversy arose from Kamra’s stand-up performance on 23 March 2025 at Mumbai’s Habitat Comedy Club, where he humorously modified a song from the 1997 Bollywood film Dil Toh Pagal Hai to make a reference to Shinde. Although he did not mention the Deputy Chief Minister by name, his use of the term gaddar (traitor) led to a political uproar.
Following the performance, members of the Shiv Sena vandalized the comedy club in protest. Days later, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) initiated demolition work at the venue, further escalating tensions.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Police officers attempted to question Kamra at his registered address, but he criticized the move, stating he had not lived there for over a decade. Through his lawyer, Kamra argued in court that his remarks were purely satirical and lacked any malicious intent. He contended that his arrest was being sought without justifiable cause.
Kamra has consistently defended his right to political satire, stating, “Making jokes about political leaders is not a crime.” He has also refused to issue an apology for his remarks.
The Madras High Court has directed him to appear before it on 7 April 2025 for further legal proceedings.
Earlier, according to social media reports, Kunal Kamra is currently hiding in Tamil Nadu ruled by DMK, an ally of the Congress.
Kunal Kamra who was born and brought up in Mumbai claimed that he is a permanent resident of Villupuram in Tamil Nadu and argued that the Madras High Court has the jurisdiction to hear his plea.
(With inputs from NDTV)
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