The Bombay High Court on Friday provided interim protection to comedian Kunal Kamra, who is facing legal scrutiny for referring to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor) during a parody performance. A bench of Justices Sarang Kotwal and SM Modak ruled that Kamra “shall not be arrested during the pendency of the petition,” though it allowed the police investigation to proceed.
The court also stated that if the police plan to question Kamra, it must be done at his current residence in Chennai and only after giving him due notice. This directive came in response to Kamra’s concern about traveling to Maharashtra, citing death threats he received following the controversy.
Kamra has filed a plea to quash the case, arguing that the allegations, even on the surface, do not amount to any criminal offense. His counsel, Navroz Seervai, highlighted that other political leaders, including Deputy CM Ajit Pawar when he was with the undivided NCP, had made similar remarks without legal consequences.
Public prosecutor Hiten Venegaonkar, however, argued that Kamra’s act was not “humorous criticism” but a “malicious targeting of an individual.” Addressing the issue of threats, the state assured security. “Let him come forward… we will provide security, if needed,” Venegaonkar stated.
The controversy began when Kamra performed a parody song during a show in Mumbai, using the word “gaddar” to mock Mr. Shinde’s 2022 rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray. Following the act, the studio was vandalised and eventually shut down.
Kamra has maintained his stance on free speech, saying, “Your inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change the nature of my right.” He added, “I will not apologise. I don’t fear this mob and I will not be hiding under my bed.”
