Kunal Kamra Moves Bombay HC Over Cases Linked to Eknath Shinde Jokes, Cites Free Speech Rights

Mumbai: Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court seeking the quashing of multiple cases registered against him for satirical remarks aimed at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde. The matter is scheduled for hearing on April 21.

Kamra’s plea invokes his constitutional rights under Article 19 (freedom of speech and expression) and Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty), arguing that the FIRs filed against him amount to an attack on democratic dissent and artistic freedom.

The controversy stems from Kamra’s performance at Mumbai’s Habitat Studio, where he parodied the Bollywood song ‘Bholi Si Surat’, calling Mr Shinde a ‘gaddar’ (traitor)—a term often used by Uddhav Thackeray against his former aide for orchestrating the 2022 rebellion that split the Shiv Sena and brought down the MVA government.

The video of Kamra’s set went viral, triggering outrage among Shinde’s supporters, who vandalised the Habitat Studio in Khar. While the civic body later cited building violations as the reason for demolishing parts of the venue, the timing has raised concerns about political retribution. The studio, meanwhile, has distanced itself from Kamra’s content and shut down operations temporarily.

Kamra, who skipped three summons from Mumbai Police, was earlier granted interim protection from arrest by the Madras High Court. Speaking publicly, the comedian defended his act, saying, “Your inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change the nature of my right.” He added that while he’s willing to cooperate with authorities, those responsible for vandalism should also be held accountable.

“I will not apologise. I don’t fear this mob and I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down,” Kamra asserted.

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, reacting to the row, said he does not endorse the vandalism but justified the anger of party workers, stating, “Every action has a reaction.” He further questioned the motive behind Kamra’s satire, asking, “Who gave him supari to target me?”