The Madras High Court on Friday granted interim anticipatory bail to stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, who is facing legal action for his remarks on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Kamra Moves High Court, Cites Fear of Arrest
Kamra, 36, informed the court that he had moved from Mumbai to Tamil Nadu in 2021 and had been residing in the state since then. He expressed concern over potential arrest by the Mumbai Police in connection with the case, PTI reported.
Summoned Twice, Kamra’s Remarks Spark Controversy
The controversy erupted after Kamra performed a parody song mocking Shinde at the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai’s Khar. His act triggered a backlash from Shiv Sena supporters, who vandalized the venue and the hotel where the event was hosted.
Following a complaint by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel, the Khar police registered a case against Kamra for allegedly making defamatory remarks against the deputy CM.
Mumbai Police Issues Summons, Seeks Kamra’s Presence on March 31
On Thursday, the Mumbai Police summoned Kamra, asking him to appear before them on March 31.
“In the second summons issued to him, Kunal Kamra has been asked to appear before police on March 31,” a police official told PTI.
Meanwhile, police arrested 12 Shiv Sena workers, including leader Rahool Kanal, for vandalizing the comedy venue and the hotel where Kamra performed.
Kamra’s Response to Media Coverage
Reacting to the media coverage surrounding the controversy, Kamra posted on X, stating:
“The mainstream media at this point is nothing but a miscommunication arm of the ruling party. They are vultures who report on issues that don’t matter to the people of this country. If they all shut shop from tomorrow till eternity, they will be doing a favor to the country, its people & their own children.”
