In the latest development on the ongoing Shinde joke row comedian Kunal Kamra has challenged the FIR filed against him in the Bombay High Court, questioning its legal validity after being accused of making derogatory remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during his comedy show ‘Naya Bharat’. His statements drew massive outrage from the Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction. Kamra used offensive words like ‘Gaddar, Dalbadlu’, etc in an indirect reference to DCM Shinde.
The complaint was filed by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel on March 24 at Khar Police station, saying Kamra insulted Shinde and created hate between political parties. Kamra had aslo ignored three police summonses, with the latest issued on April 2 requesting his appearance on April 5 but the comedian requested that his statements be recorded via video conferencing.
The FIR charges Kamra is facing for offences punishable under sections 353(1)(b) and 353(2) (statements causing public mischief), along with 356(2) (defamation) of Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). The FIR is being investigated by Khar police.
Also Read: Kunal Kamra Controversy: Varun Grover Mocks Mumbai Police, Says ‘Let Jokes Live….’
Kamra’s lawyer argues the FIR is unfair and politically motivated, and that Patel himself has several cases filed against him. The plea “seeks to impugn the mala fide registration of an FIR which ex-facie does not make out any offence.”
