The Bombay High Court on Friday allowed the police investigation against stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra to proceed in connection with his alleged “traitor” remark targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. However, the court ruled that Kamra shall not be arrested while his petition is pending.
A division bench of Justices Sarang Kotwal and S M Modak admitted Kamra’s plea seeking the quashing of the FIR registered at Khar police station. The case stems from a stand-up comedy performance in Mumbai, during which Kamra allegedly referred to Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor).
With the petition now admitted, it will be heard in detail at a later date.
Investigation to continue, Police ordered against Kamra's arrest
By way of interim relief, the bench ordered: “Investigation can continue. The petitioner (Kamra) shall not be arrested during the pendency of the petition.”
The court further directed that if the police intend to record Kamra’s statement, they must do so in Chennai, where he currently resides, and only after giving prior notice.
Kamra, in his petition, expressed concern for his safety, stating he was a resident of Tamil Nadu and feared returning to Maharashtra due to ongoing death threats following the show.
The court also stated: “If during the pendency of the petition, a chargesheet is filed in the case by the police, the concerned court shall not proceed with the same.”
Last week, the same bench had reserved its order while granting Kamra interim protection from arrest.
What did Kunal Kamra say in his defence?
Kamra has moved the High Court to quash the FIR, arguing that the allegations against him—even if accepted at face value—do not amount to a criminal offence. He further sought protection from any coercive action, including arrest, seizure of his electronic devices, or scrutiny of his financial records.
The comedian informed the court that he had agreed to appear before Mumbai Police via video conferencing for questioning. He reiterated that he has been receiving death threats since the FIR was registered.
The FIR, filed at Khar police station, accuses Kamra of defaming Eknath Shinde by calling him a “gaddar” during a comedy show in Mumbai.
On April 2, Yuva Sena General Secretary Rahool N Kanal wrote to the platform urging it not to facilitate ticket sales for Kamra’s upcoming shows, citing concerns over the content’s impact on public sentiment.
BookMyShow later issued a statement clarifying that it operates with neutrality and in accordance with Indian laws. The platform said it merely facilitates ticket sales and is not involved in content moderation.
Kamra, in response, asked the platform not to delist him or, failing that, to share contact details of the audience members who had booked tickets through the site.
Kamra, who has frequently drawn criticism for his political satire, has refused to apologise for his comments. However, he has said he is willing to cooperate fully with the investigation.
(With inputs from PTI)
A division bench of Justices Sarang Kotwal and S M Modak admitted Kamra’s plea seeking the quashing of the FIR registered at Khar police station. The case stems from a stand-up comedy performance in Mumbai, during which Kamra allegedly referred to Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor).
With the petition now admitted, it will be heard in detail at a later date.
Investigation to continue, Police ordered against Kamra's arrest
By way of interim relief, the bench ordered: “Investigation can continue. The petitioner (Kamra) shall not be arrested during the pendency of the petition.”
The court further directed that if the police intend to record Kamra’s statement, they must do so in Chennai, where he currently resides, and only after giving prior notice.
Kamra, in his petition, expressed concern for his safety, stating he was a resident of Tamil Nadu and feared returning to Maharashtra due to ongoing death threats following the show.
The court also stated: “If during the pendency of the petition, a chargesheet is filed in the case by the police, the concerned court shall not proceed with the same.”
Last week, the same bench had reserved its order while granting Kamra interim protection from arrest.
What did Kunal Kamra say in his defence?
Kamra has moved the High Court to quash the FIR, arguing that the allegations against him—even if accepted at face value—do not amount to a criminal offence. He further sought protection from any coercive action, including arrest, seizure of his electronic devices, or scrutiny of his financial records.
The comedian informed the court that he had agreed to appear before Mumbai Police via video conferencing for questioning. He reiterated that he has been receiving death threats since the FIR was registered.
The FIR, filed at Khar police station, accuses Kamra of defaming Eknath Shinde by calling him a “gaddar” during a comedy show in Mumbai.
On April 2, Yuva Sena General Secretary Rahool N Kanal wrote to the platform urging it not to facilitate ticket sales for Kamra’s upcoming shows, citing concerns over the content’s impact on public sentiment.
BookMyShow later issued a statement clarifying that it operates with neutrality and in accordance with Indian laws. The platform said it merely facilitates ticket sales and is not involved in content moderation.
Kamra, in response, asked the platform not to delist him or, failing that, to share contact details of the audience members who had booked tickets through the site.
Kamra, who has frequently drawn criticism for his political satire, has refused to apologise for his comments. However, he has said he is willing to cooperate fully with the investigation.
(With inputs from PTI)
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