Kamra seeks transit anticipatory bail after FIRs over satirical video
What's the story
Popular stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has moved the Madras High Court seeking transit anticipatory bail. He seeks relief amid several FIRs lodged against him over a recent satirical video allegedly targeting Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. The controversy began after Kamra's stand-up act, wherein he performed a parody of Dil To Pagal Hai's song Bholi Si Surat, went viral.
Parody backlash
Kamra's parody act sparked political controversy
During his act, Kamra allegedly called Shinde a "gaddar" (traitor)—a nod to his 2022 rebellion against former CM Uddhav Thackeray. This prompted Shiv Sena MLA Muraji Patel to file 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 complaint was subsequently transferred to the Khar Police Station in Mumbai.
Legal proceedings
Kamra seeks legal protection amid controversy
Kamra's counsel, V. Suresh, mentioned the petition seeking an urgent hearing before Justice Sundar Mohan in the Madras HC on Friday. The case is likely to be heard during the afternoon session. Kamra, who is a permanent resident of Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, argued that the Madras High Court has jurisdiction over his plea. The comedian also showed a copy of the Indian Constitution during his act, claiming it permits him to speak freely.
Fallout
Kamra's performance led to vandalism and death threats
Kamra's performance has caused a storm in Maharashtra. Furious supporters of Shinde vandalized Mumbai's Habitat studio, where Kamra had performed, and 12 people were arrested before getting bail. Apart from this, Kamra has also alleged that he has been receiving death threats from Shiv Sena cadres after his stand-up act.
Kamra's response
'I will not apologize for exercising my freedom of speech'
Despite the rising tensions, Kamra continues to be defiant. He has already received two summons from the Khar Police Station in Mumbai. Responding to the controversy, Kamra said on Instagram, "As far as I know, it is not against the law to poke fun at our leaders and the circus that is our political system." He has made it clear he will not apologize for exercising his freedom of speech and expression.