Kunal Kamra Moves HC to Quash FIR Over ‘Traitor’ Jibe at Shinde

Kunal Kamra

Mumbai: Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has approached the Bombay High Court, seeking to quash an FIR registered against him for allegedly calling Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde a “traitor” during a live show.

Urgent Hearing Sought

Kamra’s lawyer, Navroz Seervai, mentioned the petition before a bench of Justices Sarang Kotwal and S. M. Modak on Monday. He requested an urgent hearing, informing the court that Kamra had already received interim relief from the Madras High Court until Monday.

However, despite this relief, the Mumbai police continued to issue him a summons for questioning. The court scheduled the hearing for Tuesday.

Kamra Defends His Rights

Filed on April 5, Kamra’s plea argues that the complaints violate his fundamental rights under the Constitution. These include his rights to free speech, to practice a profession, and to personal liberty.

The comedian, who lives in Tamil Nadu, earlier secured interim transit anticipatory bail from the Madras HC until April 7. The court is expected to hear that matter on Monday as well.

Contentious Remarks in Live Show

Kamra allegedly made the controversial remark during a stand-up set. While he did not name Shinde directly, he altered lyrics from a Hindi song in “Dil To Pagal Hai”, referring to Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor). He also joked about Shinde’s rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray.

Following a complaint by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel, the Khar Police registered an FIR under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for:

• Section 353(1)(b) – Statements causing public mischief
• Section 356(2) – Defamation

Multiple Cases Merged

Three additional FIRs filed against Kamra in Nashik Rural, Jalgaon, and Nashik (Nandgaon) have since been transferred to Khar Police for investigation.

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