Mumbai: Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra on Monday moved the Bombay High Court seeking the quashing of an FIR filed against him for calling Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde a “traitor” during a recent performance of his show Naya Bharat.
The plea was mentioned for urgent hearing before a bench comprising Justices Sarang Kotwal and S.M. Modak by senior counsel Navroj Seervai and advocate Ashwin Thool. Kamra’s petition argues that the FIR violates his fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and expression, his right to practice a profession, and his right to life and liberty under the Indian Constitution.
“This is a blatant misuse of the law to suppress satire and criticism. A stand-up act, no matter how biting, cannot be equated to sedition or criminal intent,” the plea reportedly argues.
Earlier, in March, Kamra secured interim anticipatory bail from the Madras High Court. The comedian, who has been vocal about his political opinions, is currently in Tamil Nadu, where he is also a permanent resident.
Despite receiving three summonses, Kamra has not appeared before the Mumbai Police for questioning so far. His legal team maintains that he is cooperating with the law and will follow all legal procedures required.
The case against Kamra stems from a complaint alleging that his remarks during the Naya Bharat tour insulted Eknath Shinde by calling him a “traitor,” a comment that reportedly triggered outrage among the ruling party’s supporters.
