Kunal Kamra Approaches Bombay High Court Over FIR Against Him In Parody Row

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has approached the Bombay High Court, seeking the cancellation of cases registered against him for jokes targeting Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The petition argues that the cases infringe upon his fundamental right to the freedom of expression under Article 19 and the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. The matter is scheduled to be heard on April 21.

The Madras High Court earlier granted the comic interim protection from arrest till today. He has skipped three summons from Mumbai Police.

Kamra hit headlines last month after his remarks at a show shot at Mumbai's Habitat Studio went viral on social media. The comic sang a parody of 'Bholi Si Surat', a popular song from the Bollywood movie 'Dil To Pagal Hai'. The lyrics targeted Mr Shinde, referring to him as 'gaddar' (traitor). Mr Shinde led the rebellion that split the Shiv Sena and toppled the Uddhav Thackeray government in 2022. Mr Thackeray has often used the 'gaddar' insult against his former lieutenant.