Special Correspondent
Chennai: Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has approached the Madras High Court seeking transit anticipatory bail to avoid arrest following multiple FIRs filed against him over his remarks on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
During a stand-up show, Kamra performed a parody of a song from Dil To Pagal Hai, allegedly targeting Shinde. This led to an FIR being registered against him. The Mumbai Police have summoned Kamra twice, but he has not responded, increasing the likelihood of his arrest.
Kamra, a permanent resident of Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, has argued that the Madras High Court has jurisdiction over his bail plea. His case was urgently mentioned before Justice Sunder Mohan on Friday, March 28.
Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel lodged a Zero FIR against Kamra under sections 353(1)(b), 353(2) (Public Mischief), and 356(2) (Defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The FIR was later transferred to Khar Police Station in Mumbai.
Kamra’s satirical song referenced the word “gaddar” (traitor) without naming anyone, but members of Eknath Shinde’s faction of the Shiv Sena took offense. In retaliation, party workers vandalized Habitat Studio in Mumbai during Kamra’s performance.
Despite police summons, Kamra has refused to appear, citing death threats from political workers. He has requested a one-week extension before presenting himself to authorities.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has condemned the violent actions of his party members but criticized Kamra’s jokes, stating that they were in poor taste.
