Kunal Kamra Moves Bombay High Court to Quash FIR Over “Traitor” Remark on Eknath Shinde
Mumbai: Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court to quash an FIR registered over his comment calling Eknath Shinde a “traitor” during a recent live show. The petition was filed on April 5, with Kamra asserting that the charges are a violation of his fundamental rights, particularly freedom of speech and the right to practice his profession.
The FIR was based on a complaint filed by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel, who objected to Kamra’s satirical take on Shinde’s political defection, which included an altered version of a song from Dil To Pagal Hai used to mock the Deputy Chief Minister.
Kamra was booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections:
- Section 353(1)(b): Statements causing public mischief
- Section 356(2): Defamation
Kamra’s Legal Stand
Kamra’s petition argues that satire and political critique are protected forms of speech in a democracy. Filed through advocate Meenaz Kakalia, the plea seeks not only to quash the FIR but to prevent misuse of legal provisions against comedians and critics.
The case is expected to be heard on April 21 by a bench led by Justice Sarang Kotwal.
Legal Proceedings So Far
Kamra has been summoned three times by Mumbai Police but has not appeared for questioning. He was, however, granted interim transit anticipatory bail by the Madras High Court, citing his permanent residence in Tamil Nadu.
“I Will Not Apologise” – Kamra Stands Firm
In a bold statement posted on social media, Kamra said he would not back down. He called out those doxxing him online and clarified that he would not issue an apology.
“I don’t fear this mob, and I will not be hiding under my bed waiting for this to die down,” Kamra wrote.
He also noted that his remark was a satirical take on what Ajit Pawar—Maharashtra’s First Deputy CM—had already said publicly about Shinde, questioning the double standards in political tolerance.
