Madras HC extends Kunal Kamra's interim protection in Shinde remarks case

The Madras High Court on Monday extended till April 17 comedian Kunal Kamra's interim protection in connection to an FIR filed against him by Mumbai police over his alleged remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, reported Live Law.

 

The bench of Justice Sunder Mohan granted relief to Kamra after his advocate informed the court that three new FIRs have been registered against him. He mentioned the "hostilities" that Kamra has been facing like authorities visiting his parents' home in Mumbai, and an audience member being summoned by the police.

 

After listening to his submissions, the court extended his interim protection, adjourning the case to April 17.

 

This comes soon after Kamra moved the Bombay High Court seeking the quashing of the FIR. The court has agreed to hear the case on Tuesday after an urgent mention was made on Monday.

 

Kamra first moved the Madras High Court seeking anticipatory bail on March 28, because he is the permanent resident of Villupuram town in Tamil Nadu.

 

Kunal Kamra row: What has happened so far?

On March 23, Kamra posted a stand-up video titled 'Naya Bharat,' in which he mocked Shinde through a parody song, criticising him for splitting the Shiv Sena and toppling Uddhav Thackeray’s government. The video sparked controversy, prompting Shinde’s party workers to storm the venue where the performance was recorded and vandalise it.

 

Soon after, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) demolished part of the venue, citing alleged violations. Kamra later issued a statement declaring that he would not apologise for his comments.

 

Subsequently, a Zero FIR was registered against him under Sections 353(1)(b), 353(2) [public mischief], and 356(2) [defamation] of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), based on a complaint lodged by Shiv Sena MLA Muraji Patel, as reported by Live Law.

 

After getting relief in the same by the Madras High Court, three more FIRs were filed against him

 

The complainants have accused Kamra of tarnishing Shinde’s moral character and inciting division between political parties. The FIRs allege that his remarks fostered animosity between the factions by making offensive comments.