India Press Live
BREAKING: Kunal Kamra Granted Interim Pre-Arrest Bail by Madras High Court
The Madras High Court has granted stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra interim pre-arrest bail until April 7 in connection to his recent comments about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Kamra’s Plea for Bail
Kamra sought transit anticipatory bail in the matter, citing his fears of arrest by the Mumbai Police. He hails from Tamil Nadu’s Villupuram district.
Justice Sunder Mohan granted Kamra relief under the condition that he must execute a bond to the satisfaction of the judicial magistrate at Vanur in Villupuram district. The judge also issued a notice to the Khar Police and scheduled the next hearing for April 7.
Controversy and Backlash
Kamra’s comments on Shinde during a performance at the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai’s Khar led to a strong backlash from Shiv Sena supporters. The club and hotel were vandalized following Kamra’s parody song with a “gaddar (traitor) jibe at Mr. Shinde.
During the court appearance, Kamra’s counsel emphasized that he did not specifically mention anyone in his latest show. The lawyer argued that Kamra is a well-known comedian, and satire parodies are a form of freedom of speech.
Kamra’s life has been threatened, with reports of at least 500 calls from Shiv Sena workers threatening to kill him and cut him into pieces (kaat denge tumhe).
Legal Proceedings
Kamra was booked by the Khar police based on a complaint by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Shinde. Kamra stated that he stands by his remarks and would only apologize if instructed by the courts. He also denied rumors of being paid by the Opposition to target Shinde.
The Mumbai Police had summoned Kamra to appear on March 31, following his request for a seven-day extension.
