Kunal Kamra Seeks Transit Anticipatory Bail After FIRs Over Satirical Song, Traitor Joke On Eknath Shinde

Kunal Kamra has approached the Madras High Court seeking transit anticipatory bail after multiple FIRs were filed against him!

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has approached the Madras High Court seeking transit anticipatory bail after multiple FIRs were filed against him for his alleged remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The legal trouble stems from a parody song performed by Kamra, which referenced a gaddar (traitor) without directly naming anyone. However, many supporters of Shinde’s faction of the Shiv Sena took offense, leading to protests and police action.

Kunal Kamra Seeks Anticipatory Bail

Kunal Kamra, known for his sharp political satire, now faces charges under Sections 353(1)(b), 353(2) (public mischief), and 356(2) (defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The initial complaint was filed as a Zero FIR by Shiv Sena MLA Muraji Patel and later transferred to Khar police station in Mumbai. Kamra, however, has refused to appear before the Mumbai police immediately, citing death threats from party members and requesting a week’s time to respond.

His legal team argues that since he is a permanent resident of Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, the Madras High Court has jurisdiction over his plea. On Friday, March 28, his case was urgently mentioned before Justice Sunder Mohan, as reported by Live Law.

The controversy escalated when enraged Shiv Sena workers vandalized the Habitat Studio in Mumbai, where Kamra had performed the now-viral act. The venue was forced to shut down temporarily, and on Wednesday, police officers were seen cordoning off the premises, with its signage blacked out.

Eknath Shinde distanced himself from the violence but maintained that Kamra’s jokes were offensive. Meanwhile, several BJP leaders warned against the misuse of freedom of speech, while Kamra’s supporters, including many from the entertainment and legal communities, defended his right to satire.

Also Read: Hansal Mehta Praises Kunal Kamra’s ‘Bravery’ For Refusing To Apologise Over Eknath Shinde Remark

Despite the FIRs and threats, Kamra’s parody video has gained immense traction online, amassing over six million views and tens of thousands of comments in just two days. Many viewers have also contributed financial support, reinforcing Kamra’s stance of not backing down.

This isn’t Kamra’s first run-in with the law. In 2020, he was banned from flying for six months after heckling a journalist on a plane. Over the years, he has frequently found himself at odds with political figures, often facing legal repercussions for his outspoken humor.

Also Read: Mumbai Police To Issue Second Summon To Kunal Kamra, Rejects Request For One Week Extension

First Published: March 28, 2025 3:57 PM