Bombay High Court Summons Police, MLA in Kunal Kamra’s Challenge to FIR Over “Traitor” Remark

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday directed Mumbai police and Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel to respond to a petition filed by comedian Kunal Kamra, who is contesting a First Information Report (FIR) accusing him of making a “traitor” remark aimed at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

A two-judge bench, comprising Justices Sarang Kotwal and S M Modak, scheduled the hearing for Kamra’s plea on April 16. The FIR was filed by Khar police following a complaint lodged by Patel.

The court instructed the respondents police and Patel to review the case and submit their replies. Kamra’s lawyer, Navroz Seervai, informed the bench that the Madras High Court had extended interim transit anticipatory bail for Kamra until April 17 on Monday.

Seervai noted that Kamra, currently residing in Tamil Nadu since 2021, had repeatedly offered to cooperate with the investigation via video conference due to concerns for his safety. “It appears the police are less interested in taking his statement and more focused on having him appear in person,” Seervai argued.

The lawyer emphasized that the FIR arose from a stand-up comedy performance, not a serious offense like murder, and reiterated Kamra’s willingness to assist the probe remotely. The Bombay High Court stated it would address all aspects of the case during the April 16 hearing.