Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Apr 7: The Bombay High Court has granted an urgent hearing for Tuesday to stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra's petition seeking the annulment of multiple police complaints filed against him. This development comes in light of alleged "death threats" received by Kamra following his purported satirical remarks targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Kamra faces legal action initiated by the Mumbai Police for allegedly labeling Shinde as a "traitor (gaddar)" in a song performed during his recent show, the video of which was subsequently shared on social media. To date, he has reportedly not responded to three summons issued by the Mumbai Police in connection with the case.
A division bench comprising Justice Sarang Kotwal and Justice S.M. Modak acknowledged the "extreme urgency" cited by Kamra's legal team, particularly highlighting the alleged death threats, and agreed to advance the hearing of his petition to Tuesday. The High Court had initially scheduled the hearing for April 21st but acceded to the request for an earlier date.
In his petition to the court, Kamra contends that the cases registered against him constitute a violation of his fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19, as well as his right to life as enshrined in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
He approached the Bombay High Court shortly after the Madras High Court provided him with interim protection from arrest until April 7th. The fact that he has not yet responded to three summons from the Mumbai Police underscores the gravity of the situation.
Kamra recently drew significant media attention for performing a parody of the popular Bollywood song 'Bholi Si Surat' from the movie 'Dil To Pagal Hai', during which he allegedly used the term "gaddar" in reference to Eknath Shinde.
The term "gaddar" has been frequently employed by Uddhav Thackeray and his son Aditya Thackeray to indirectly criticize Shinde since his rebellion in June 2022, which led to a split in the Shiv Sena and the subsequent collapse of the Thackeray-led government in Maharashtra.
Kamra's parody, widely interpreted as a direct jab at Shinde, triggered angry demonstrations by Shiv Sena supporters, who reportedly vandalized the studio where his show was filmed.
The issue also sparked significant uproar within the state legislature, with members of the ruling Mahayuti alliance condemning Kamra's actions and demanding an apology.
Shiv Sena activists reportedly issued threats against Kamra, while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured that stringent action would be taken, asserting that the government would not tolerate any attempts to undermine the Constitution and freedom of speech beyond its constitutional limits.
Furthermore, a breach of privilege notice was moved against Kamra in the Maharashtra Legislative Council during the recently concluded Budget Session.
Despite the backlash, Kamra has maintained a defiant stance, stating, "I will not apologise. What I said is exactly what Mr Ajit Pawar (first Dy CM) said about Eknath Shinde (second Dy CM)." He further articulated his position on X, asserting his right to freedom of speech and expression, even when it involves humor directed at powerful public figures and the political system. He also criticized the Mumbai Police for serving notices on audience members who attended his show to record their statements.