Comedy Row
Kunal Kamra moves Bombay High Court, seeks quashing of FIR over Eknath Shinde parody
Mumbai/IBNS: Popular stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has moved the Bombay High Court seeking the quashing of a First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Mumbai Police over his parody referring to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, media reports said.
Kamra moved the High Court through his senior advocate Navroz Seervai.
The matter has been presented before the division bench led by Justice Sarang Kotwal.
The bench has agreed to hear the plea on Tuesday.
The Mumbai Police had asked the stand-up comedian, who is popular for his anti-Modi jokes, to appear at Khar Police Station on March 31.
The Madras High Court had earlier granted Kamra, who is currently in Tamil Nadu, an interim anticipatory bail set to expire on Monday over multiple FIRs lodged against him.
The Madras High Court will hear his case on Monday.
What did Kamra say?
Kamra, who is best known for his outspoken nature, targeted Shinde during a comedy show by parodying the 1997 song 'Bholi Si Surat' from 'Dil To Pagal Hai'.
In an indirect sweep, Kamra referred to Shinde as a 'gaddar (traitor), referring to his rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray in 2022, an episode that led to the state government's collapse and the party's split.
Mumbai studio announces shutdown after Shinde-led Shiv Sena's vandalism
Mumbai's Habitat Studio, a popular platform for stand-up comedians in the city, announced its decision to shut down after Shiv Sena (Shinde) workers vandalised it as a response to Kamra's performance which was held at the venue.
The studio said it had always been neutral in providing a platform for artists to share their work in any language.
Kamra's performance was hosted by the same studio where the controversial 'India's Got Latent' show was filmed.
The show triggered anger and severe protests were held following popular YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia's 'sex with parents' comment.
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