Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 7: Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court seeking to quash the First Information Report (FIR) registered against him by Mumbai Police, arguing that it violates his fundamental rights under the Indian Constitution.
Kamra’s petition, reportedly filed on April 5, claims that the FIR infringes upon his freedom of expression under Article 19 and his right to life under Article 21. The plea is scheduled to be heard by a division bench comprising Justice SV Kotwal and Justice SM Modak on April 21.
Kamra’s legal team has stated that the comedian’s satirical content, which has triggered recent controversies, should be protected under constitutional rights and not attract criminal charges. The controversy primarily stems from Kamra’s recent stand-up act titled “Naya Bharat,” which included provocative references to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The case gained momentum after Rahool Kanal, General Secretary of the Yuva Sena, publicly urged Kamra to cooperate with authorities and present facts in the ongoing investigation.
“Bail is a right for every citizen. I would request Kunal Kamra to be a part of the investigation and present the facts. We will present our facts, and whatever is right as per the law will take its own course,” Kanal told ANI.
Kanal also wrote to BookMyShow, requesting the suspension of ticket sales for Kamra’s upcoming shows, citing concerns about content that could disturb public harmony.
In a further twist, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police received a formal complaint from a Shiv Sena representative on April 3, seeking a probe into Kamra’s financial dealings. The complaint alleges that the comedian may have received foreign funds for his content, raising questions about the source and legality of his income.
Kamra is currently facing three separate FIRs registered at the Khar Police Station, following complaints from the Mayor of Jalgaon, a hotelier, and a businessman from Nashik. The FIRs are based on his recent remarks, including a contentious joke referring to Eknath Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor).
Earlier, Kamra had been granted interim anticipatory bail by the Madras High Court until April 7, citing security concerns and threats received in the wake of his satirical performance.
As the court date approaches, Kamra’s legal battle underscores the ongoing tension between free speech and political sensitivity in India’s evolving public discourse.