Shinde remarks row: Madras HC extends interim anticipatory bail to stand-up comic Kunal Kamra

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court extended the interim anticipatory bail granted to the popular stand-up comedian and satirist Kunal Kamra until April 17, in connection with the case booked for allegedly making defamatory remarks against deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde.

Justice Sunder Mohan heard the interstate anticipatory bail petition moved by the stand-up comedian, as he was unable to appear before the Mumbai court because he was apprehending arrest.

Advocate V Suresh, on behalf of the petitioner, submitted that three more criminal cases were slapped against his client, hence the hostility against him continues.

Further, it was submitted that the Mumbai police entered Kunal's residence and disturbed his elderly parents. They have also listed the persons who had participated in his stand-up comedy show, where he allegedly defamed Eknath Shinde, to investigate.

After the submission, the judge extended the interim anticipatory bail and directed to get relief from the judicial court at Mumbai.

The court also asked the petitioner to file the proof of service of notice to the Khar police, Mumbai (jurisdictional police).

It was reported that Kunal performed a stand-up comedy show, "Naya Bharat" in Mumbai, which was telecast on February 23 on his YouTube channel.

Alleging that through his performance, Kunal defamed Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, by making slanderous statements on his conduct, on March 23, Murji Kazi Patel, member of the Legislative Assembly Andheri East, filed a complaint.

Murji also alleged that the performance has damaged the reputation of their party and fostered animosity between the rival political parties.

Based on the complaint, Khar police, Mumbai, booked Kunal Kamra 353 (1) b, 353 (2), and 356 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.