'Traitor’ remark row: Madras High Court extends interim protection to Kunal Kamra

Chennai: The Madras High Court on Monday extended the interim anticipatory bail granted to stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra till April 17. Kamra had approached the court fearing arrest in connection with his recent performance in Mumbai, which allegedly targeted Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Justice Sunder Mohan also instructed the comedian to initiate proceedings before the appropriate courts.

Petitioner’s counsel alleges continued harassment

When the matter was taken up, advocate V Suresh, appearing for Kamra, informed the court that three additional FIRs had been filed against the comedian in Maharashtra.

He further claimed that the harassment continued, stating, "The authorities had visited his parental house in Mumbai and disturbed his aged parents." He also alleged that audience members who attended Kamra’s show had been summoned by the police.

The judge posted the matter for further hearing on April 17.

Comic act triggers backlash and vandalism

Kamra, 36, has twice been summoned by Mumbai Police for remarks made during a recent show at the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, Mumbai. His parody song, perceived to mock Shinde, sparked outrage among Shiv Sena supporters.

Following the act, members of the party vandalised the comedy club and the hotel premises.

Booked for alleged defamation

The Khar Police registered a case against Kamra based on a complaint from Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel, who alleged that the comedian made defamatory statements against the deputy chief minister.

Kamra, in his plea for anticipatory bail, had earlier submitted that he relocated from Mumbai to Tamil Nadu in 2021 and has since been an “ordinary resident” of the state. He cited fear of arrest by Mumbai Police as the reason for seeking protection from the court.

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