Joke row: Bombay HC grants relief to Kunal Kamra till April 16; issues notice to Police, Shiv Sena MLA

NEW DELHI: The Bombay High Court on Tuesday issued notices to the Mumbai police and Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel in response to a petition filed by comedian Kunal Kamra, who has challenged the FIR lodged against him over “traitor” jibe at Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde.
A division bench comprising Justices Sarang Kotwal and S M Modak said Kamra’s plea would be taken up for hearing on April 16.
The FIR in question was registered by the Khar police following a complaint from Patel, who alleged that Kamra had referred to Shinde as a “traitor” during a stand-up comedy performance.
“Notices are to be issued to the respondents. They should obtain instructions and file their response,” the court observed during the hearing.
Representing Kamra, senior advocate Navroz Seervai informed the bench that the Madras High Court had on Monday extended the interim transit anticipatory bail granted to the comedian till April 17.
Seervai also told the court that Kamra had, on three occasions, offered to appear before the police for questioning via video conference, citing serious concerns for his safety if compelled to travel.
“It seems that the police authorities are not so keen on recording his statement but more on bringing him here physically,” Seervai submitted, emphasising that Kamra had no intention of evading the investigation.
Kamra, who moved to Tamil Nadu in 2021, has been residing there since, according to his petition. His legal team argued that the FIR stems from a stand-up act, not a serious crime, and reiterated his willingness to cooperate with the probe—albeit through virtual means.
The court noted that all issues raised would be considered in detail on April 16