Significant Relief for Kunal Kamra as Bombay HC Offers Arrest Protection
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Synopsis
Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra receives significant relief from the Bombay High Court, which grants him protection from arrest over an FIR linked to his satirical video and controversial remarks about Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The court allows the investigation to continue while ensuring Kamra's safety.
Key Takeaways
- Bombay High Court grants protection from arrest to Kunal Kamra.
- The FIR was related to a satirical video and comments about Eknath Shinde.
- The court allows police to question Kamra in Chennai.
- Kamra seeks to quash the FIR against him.
- His remarks were linked to political defection in Maharashtra.
Mumbai, April 25 (NationPress) In a significant development for stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, the Bombay High Court on Friday provided him with protection from arrest related to an FIR filed over his satirical video and his contentious “gaddar” (traitor) comment targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The court instructed the Mumbai Police to refrain from taking any coercive measures against Kamra, who is currently based in Chennai.
The FIR was lodged after a video circulated wherein Kamra allegedly ridiculed Shinde and labeled him as a “gaddar,” inciting anger among supporters of the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction).
While prohibiting the police from arresting the comedian, the court permitted the investigation to continue.
It authorized the Mumbai Police to travel to Chennai to interrogate Kamra, with the assistance of local law enforcement.
The court indicated that if the police submit a charge sheet, the trial court must not proceed until the High Court resolves the petition for quashing filed by Kamra.
Kamra had submitted a petition to the High Court seeking to annul the FIR against him.
Previously, on April 16, the High Court granted him interim bail, which has now been made permanent.
The FIR arose at the Khar police station following a complaint by Shiv Sena legislator Muraji Patel after Kamra allegedly labeled Shinde as a 'gaddar' during his stand-up show Naya Bharat.
Initially, Kamra was granted interim anticipatory bail by the Madras High Court before he approached the Bombay High Court to seek the quashing of the FIR and the granting of regular bail.
The remark was seen as a reference to Shinde’s political defection from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena to align with the BJP, resulting in a dramatic split in the party and the emergence of a new ruling coalition MahaYuti.
