Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra is facing three separate cases filed against him at Khar police station for his controversial comments about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The complaints were lodged by the Mayor of Jalgaon, a hotelier, and a businessman from Nashik, according to Mumbai Police. Despite being called twice for questioning by the Khar police, Kamra has not yet appeared for the investigation.
Earlier, the Madras High Court granted Kamra interim anticipatory bail in connection with multiple FIRs against him. The court’s order, made on Friday, allows him bail until April 7, with conditions. Kamra had approached the court for transit anticipatory bail, citing threats he had received following his satirical comments.
Kamra’s remarks, which he made during a stand-up show, included calling Eknath Shinde a “gaddar” (traitor), leading to widespread political condemnation. The comedian has refused to apologize for his comments, asserting his right to freedom of speech, and has stated he would cooperate with the police.
In his statement, Kamra criticized the mainstream media, accusing it of serving as a mouthpiece for the ruling party and labeled journalists as “vultures.” He also defended his right to poke fun at political leaders, saying that the inability to take a joke does not alter the nature of his freedom of expression.
After the remarks, Shinde’s Shiv Sena youth wing, Yuva Sena, vandalized the comedy venue where the show was filmed. Kamra responded to this by stating that a venue is merely a platform for shows and is not responsible for a comedian’s words.
Despite the ongoing investigations and threats, Kamra remains defiant, asserting that his comments were not illegal and that freedom of speech should not be reserved for praising the powerful.
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