The Bombay High Court on Tuesday, April 8, sought a response from the Maharashtra government regarding comedian Kunal Kamra’s petition to quash an FIR filed against him over an allegedly defamatory video and the use of the word “gaddar” (traitor), believed to reference Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
A division bench of Justices Sarang Kotwal and Shriram Modak issued formal notices to the complainant and the State, setting the next hearing for April 16 at 2:30 PM. The court emphasized that Kamra is protected from arrest until April 17, based on interim relief extended by the Madras High Court.
Senior advocate Navroz Seervai, representing Kamra, argued that the case stems from a comedy performance and emphasized that Kamra has offered multiple times to record his statement virtually due to ongoing death threats. Seervai urged the court to ensure that the comedian is not compelled to appear physically until his petition is heard.
The FIR was initially filed under Sections 353(1)(b), 353(2), and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) by Shiv Sena MLA Muraji Patel, before being transferred to Khar Police Station in Mumbai. Though Kamra did not mention Shinde by name, party members alleged the satirical video targeted him, referencing the 2022 political split in Shiv Sena.
Following the video’s circulation, Mumbai’s Habitat Studio—where Kamra had performed—was vandalized by alleged Shiv Sena supporters. Twelve individuals were arrested in connection with the violence and later released on bail.
The High Court has said it will also consider Kamra’s plea for exemption from physical appearance at the next hearing.
