Kunal Kamra moves Bombay HC against FIR over ‘joke’ on Eknath Shinde

Comedian Kunal Kamra moved Bombay High Court seeking quashing of an FIR filed against him over a 'joke' cracked, apparently on Maharahstra Deputy Chief Miniter Eknath Shinde. Kamra moved the high court on April 5.

Kunal Kamra claimed in his plea that the complaints against him were violative of his fundamental rights of freedom of speech and expression, right to practice any profession and business and right to life and liberty guaranteed under the Constitution of India.

The plea, filed through advocate Meenaz Kakalia, is likely to come up for hearing before a bench headed by Justice Sarang Kotwal on April 21.

What's the matter?

A controversy erupted when Kamra shared a clip from one of his stand-up shows on Instagram in March.

During the show, Kamra performed a parody of a popular Hindi song from the 1997 film "Dil Toh Pagal Hai." In a vieled attack, Kamra apparently referred to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a "gaddar" (traitor).

The comedian went on to joke about how Shinde rebelled against Uddhav Thackeray.

This angered Shinde supporters, Shiv Sainiks and the ruling Mahayuti in Maharashtra. A group of Shiv Sena workers allegedly 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.

Meanwhile, a complaint in this regard was filed by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel against Kamra. Police then registered the FIR against Kamra under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 353(1)(b) (statements conducing to public mischief) and 356(2) (defamation).

Kamra last month got interim transit anticipatory bail from the Madras High Court in the case against him. He is a permanent resident of Tamil Nadu.

The comedian failed to appear before the Mumbai police for questioning despite three summons issued to him.

Earlier, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the government would not accept freedom of expression if it leads to tyranny. The CM was quoted by PTI as saying, "We appreciate humour and satire. We accept political satire, but we do not accept freedom of expression if it leads to tyranny."

(With inputs from ANI)