Chennai, March 28 : The Madras High Court on Friday granted interim anticipatory bail to stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, who is facing legal trouble over his recent remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Justice Sundar Mohan directed Kamra to furnish a bond to the satisfaction of the Judicial Magistrate in Vanur, located in Tamil Nadu’s Villupuram district, as a condition for the bail. The court also issued notice to the second respondent, the Khar Police, and scheduled the next hearing for April 7.
Kamra stated in his plea that he has been residing in Tamil Nadu since 2021 and fears arrest by the Mumbai Police in connection with the case registered against him. The court took note of Kamra’s apprehension regarding possible arrest in a case filed by the Khar Police while he is based in Villupuram.
The case stems from Kamra’s recent stand-up comedy performance titled "Naya Bharat," in which he allegedly made satirical comments targeting Eknath Shinde. The prosecution claims that the comments damaged the reputation of the Deputy Chief Minister.
Kamra’s lawyer argued that the charges do not require custodial interrogation and that the comedian has been receiving threats from political workers and ministers. The lawyer also pointed out Kamra’s inability to approach a Maharashtra court directly and requested protection until such an application could be made.
The court acknowledged the situation and stated that it was inclined to grant interim protection until April 7, instructing Kamra to submit a bond with the local magistrate as required.
The controversy arose after Kamra performed a parody song mocking Eknath Shinde at the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, Mumbai. Following the performance, enraged Shiv Sena supporters allegedly vandalized the club and the adjoining hotel where the event took place.
A complaint by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel led to the registration of a case by the Khar Police. Mumbai Police have since summoned Kamra twice in connection with the incident.
