Big relief for Kunal Kamra as Bombay HC grants protection from arrest

While restraining the police from arresting the comedian, the court, however, allowed investigators to proceed with their inquiry. It permitted the Mumbai Police to travel to Chennai to question Kamra, with the assistance of the local police

Mumbai: In a major relief for stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, the Bombay High Court on Friday granted him protection from arrest in connection with an FIR lodged over his satirical video and his controversial ‘gaddari’ (traitor) remark aimed at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

The court directed the Mumbai Police not to take any coercive action against Kamra, who is currently residing in Chennai. The FIR had been filed following the circulation of a video in which Kamra allegedly mocked Shinde and referred to him as a ‘gaddar,’ sparking outrage among the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) supporters.

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While restraining the police from arresting the comedian, the court, however, allowed investigators to proceed with their inquiry. It permitted the Mumbai Police to travel to Chennai to question Kamra, with the assistance of the local police.

The court said if the police file a charge sheet, the trial court should not proceed till the High Court decides the quashing petition filed by Kamra.

Kamra had filed a plea before the High Court seeking to quash the FIR filed against him. Earlier on April 16, the High Court had granted him interim bail, which has now been made regular.

The FIR was filed at Khar police station following a complaint by Shiv Sena legislator Muraji Patel after Kamra, during a performance of his stand-up show Naya Bharat, allegedly referred to Shinde as a ‘gaddar’.

Kamra was initially granted interim anticipatory bail by the Madras High Court before he moved the Bombay High Court to seek quashing of the FIR and grant of regular bail.

The remark was purported as a reference to Shinde’s political defection from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena to join hands with the BJP, which led to a dramatic split in the party and the rise of a new ruling coalition MahaYuti.