Comedian
Kunal Kamra has moved the Bombay High Court seeking the quashing of an FIR
filed against him by Mumbai police over his alleged remarks against Maharashtra
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Kamra's petition argues that the FIR infringes
upon his fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution, specifically under
Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech and expression), Article 19(1)(g) (right to
practise any profession or occupation), and Article 21 (right to life and personal
liberty).
The
development comes shortly after Kamra failed to appear before Mumbai police
despite receiving three summons in the same matter.
According
to the report, the case is listed for hearing on April 21 before a bench
comprising Justices Sarang V Kotwal and Shriram M Modak.
On
March 23, Kamra posted a stand-up video titled 'Naya Bharat,' in which he
mocked Shinde through a parody song, criticising him for splitting the Shiv
Sena and toppling Uddhav Thackeray’s government. The video sparked controversy,
prompting Shinde’s party workers to storm the venue where the performance was
recorded and vandalise it.
Soon
after, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) demolished part of the
venue, citing alleged violations. Kamra later issued a statement declaring that
he would not apologise for his comments.
Subsequently,
a Zero FIR was registered against him under Sections 353(1)(b), 353(2) [public
mischief], and 356(2) [defamation] of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), based on a
complaint lodged by Shiv Sena MLA Muraji Patel, as reported by Live Law.
Meanwhile,
the Madras High Court granted Kamra interim anticipatory bail, noting that it
was prima facie satisfied he was unable to approach courts in Maharashtra for
protection.
Following
the court's order, three more FIRs were registered against Kamra by Shiv Sena
members in different parts of Maharashtra — Manmad (Nashik), Jalgaon Jamod
(Buldhana), and Nandgaon (Nashik).
The
complainants have accused Kamra of tarnishing Shinde’s moral character and
inciting division between political parties. The FIRs allege that his remarks
fostered animosity between the factions by making offensive comments.