More trouble for Kunal Kamra: Mumbai police registers three more cases against him

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra's legal troubles have escalated, with three more cases filed against him at Khar police station over his alleged remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, ANI reported. According to Mumbai Police, the complaints were registered by the Mayor of Jalgaon city, a Nashik-based hotelier, and a businessman. Despite being summoned twice for questioning, Kamra has not appeared before the police.

Anticipatory bail granted to Kunal Kamra by Madras High Court

The Madras High Court granted interim anticipatory bail to Kamra in connection with multiple FIRs against him. Justice Sunder Mohan provided bail until April 7, with conditions. Kamra had approached the court citing security concerns and threats following his satirical remarks.

Mumbai police issues third summons

On March 27, Mumbai Police issued a third summons, asking Kamra to appear for questioning on March 31 at Khar police station. The complaint was filed by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel. Kamra had previously skipped two police summons in the same case.

Kamra criticises mainstream media

Amid the controversy, Kamra accused the media of being biased toward the ruling party. In a social media post, he wrote: "The mainstream media at this point is nothing but a miscommunication arm of the ruling party. They are vultures who report on issues that don't matter to the people of this country. If they all shut shop from tomorrow till eternity, they will be doing a favour to the country, its people, and their own children."

Political backlash over ‘gaddar’ remark

Kamra's "gaddar" (traitor) joke, allegedly targeting Eknath Shinde, led to criticism from several political leaders, who demanded action against him. Following the controversy, members of Yuva Sena, the youth wing of Shinde’s Shiv Sena, vandalized The Habitat comedy venue, where the performance was recorded.

Kamra refuses to apologise

Despite the backlash, Kamra has refused to apologize for his comments. He stated that entertainment venues should not be held responsible for his content, saying: "An entertainment venue is merely a platform. A space for all sorts of shows. Habitat (or any other venue) is not responsible for my comedy, nor does it have any power or control over what I say or do. Neither does any political party. Attacking a venue for a comedian's words is as senseless as overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes because you didn’t like the butter chicken you were served."

Defends freedom of speech

Kamra also responded to political threats against him, asserting his right to free speech. "Our right to freedom of speech and expression is not only to be used to fawn over the powerful and rich even though today's media would have us believe otherwise. Your inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change the nature of my right. As far as I know, it is not against the law to poke fun at our leaders and the circus that is our political system," he said.

The legal proceedings and political reactions to Kamra’s statements continue to unfold.

(Inputs from ANI)