Plea Filed In Bombay HC In Support Of Kunal Kamra Amid Row Over 'Traitor' Joke

Kamra is currently facing four FIRs, all of which have been transferred to Khar police for investigation. He was granted interim protection from arrest by the Madras High Court on Friday in connection with one of the FIRs.

A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Bombay High Court in support of comedian Kunal Kamra, who got into trouble for his 'traitor' joke during one of his stand-up gig in Maharashtra. The petition argues that Kamra's jokes fall under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression.  

The petition also argues that Kamra's content falls within the domain of satire and political criticism, and that his remarks were not intended to spread hatred or enmity but were purely satirical.  

Additionally, the petition challenges the action taken by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) against Habitat Studio in Khar, where Kamra performed, calling it selective and demanding action against the municipal officials involved. Kamra's studio was demolished and the municipal authorities took its possession after the controversy. The petition alleges that this decision was biased and an act of abuse of power.  

The PIL was filed by law student Harshvardhan Khandeparkar through advocate Amit Katarnavare.  

The development comes after Kamra on Friday was granted interim protection from arrest by the Madras High Court  in connection with an FIR lodged against him in Mumbai over his 'traitor' jibe at Eknath Shinde.

Comedian Kunal Kamra Facing 4 FIRs Over Joke Row

Meanwhile, Kamra is currently facing four FIRs, all of which have been transferred to Khar police for further investigation.  

The first FIR was registered at Andheri's MIDC police station on the basis of a complaint by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel. It was later transferred to Khar police. The second FIR was filed in Nashik's Manmad following a complaint by Mayur Borse and was transferred to Khar police.  

A third FIR was registered based on a complaint by Sanjay Bhujbal from Buldhana and was also reassigned to Khar police. The fourth FIR was registered by Nashik-based hotelier Sunil Jadhav, which was similarly handed over to Khar police for inquiry.  

All FIRs have been filed under Sections 353 (1)(B), 353 (2), and 356 (2) of the Indian Penal Code.  

Kamra is facing these legal actions over a satirical poem that allegedly offended many people. They claim his remarks were derogatory toward Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, inciting hostility between two political factions.

In addition to the four FIRs, Kamra also faces two non-cognisable (NC) offences—one at Dombivli police station in Thane and another at Wagle Estate police station, following a complaint by Yuva Sena member Rupesh Mishra.