The Bombay High Court has issued notices to the Mumbai Police and Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel in connection with a petition filed by stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra seeking to quash an FIR registered against him over a satirical remark made during one of his shows. The FIR, filed last month, accuses Kamra of referring to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a “traitor” — a remark the comedian maintains was made in the context of political satire.
A division bench of Justices Sarang Kotwal and S M Modak took cognizance of Kamra’s plea and directed both parties to respond by April 16, 2025, when the court will hear the case.
The controversy began after Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel lodged a complaint, prompting the Khar police to register an FIR. Kamra, who has not physically appeared before the authorities despite receiving three summons, filed his petition on April 5. He cited serious threats to his life and safety and requested to join the investigation virtually. According to his petition, Kamra has been living in Tamil Nadu since 2021.
Kamra’s senior counsel Navroz Seervai argued that the FIR represents a clear violation of the comedian’s fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and expression under Article 19 of the Constitution. The petition emphasized that Kamra’s remarks were made as part of a satirical take on the 2022 split within the Shiv Sena party, when Eknath Shinde broke away from Uddhav Thackeray’s faction.
“This FIR arises from a stand-up comedy show that is clearly satirical and part of a broader political commentary,” said Seervai. “Continuing criminal proceedings under these circumstances not only stifles free expression but also abuses the process of law.”
Kamra’s legal team further argued that this was not a case involving any grave criminal conduct, and sought protection against arrest or seizure of personal devices while the investigation is ongoing.
The show in question, scripted in July 2024, was performed across several cities between August 2024 and February 2025. A video of the performance was uploaded in March 2025, shortly before the complaint was filed.
While the Mumbai Police continue to demand Kamra’s physical presence for questioning, the comedian has secured interim transit anticipatory bail from the Madras High Court, valid until April 17, 2025. His counsel reiterated his willingness to cooperate virtually with the police.
The Bombay High Court will take up the matter for a detailed hearing on April 16.
Sources By Agencies