Kamra Moves Bombay HC Seeking to Scrap FIR in Shinde Joke Row
Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has moved the Bombay High Court, urging it to quash the FIR registered against him by Mumbai Police in the case over a “traitor” remark against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. In his petition, Kamra argued that the complaints infringe upon his fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and expression.
Kamra approached the High Court on April 5, seeking to scrap the FIR and claiming that the complaints against him are an attempt to stifle his creative expression and silence his voice. The comedian, known for his sharp wit and satirical humor, had made the remark during a live show in Mumbai, which apparently didn’t go down well with the Deputy Chief Minister.
The FIR was registered against Kamra under sections 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and 500 (defamation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at the Bandra police station. The police had taken the comedian’s comment seriously, terming it as an “insult” and “abuse” towards Shinde, who was then the state’s revenue minister.
Kamra’s petition, filed through his lawyer, contended that the FIR and the complaints against him are an attempt to suppress his freedom of speech and expression. The comedian argued that his remark was a part of his stand-up comedy show and was intended to be a humorous critique of the political situation in the state.
The petition also claimed that the FIR and the complaints against Kamra were an abuse of the process of law and an attempt to harass and intimidate him. Kamra’s lawyer contended that the FIR was registered without any prior notice or warning, and that the comedian was not given an opportunity to defend himself before the FIR was registered.
The comedian’s petition also cited several judgments of the Supreme Court and the Bombay High Court, which have emphasized the importance of freedom of speech and expression in a democratic society. Kamra’s lawyer contended that the FIR and the complaints against him were violative of these judgments and that the court should quash the FIR and set aside the complaint.
The petition also sought directions to the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the FIR and to submit a report to the court. Kamra’s lawyer contended that the investigation should be conducted in accordance with the law and that the police should ensure that the rights of the accused are protected during the investigation.
The Bombay High Court is likely to hear Kamra’s petition in the coming days. The court is expected to take a careful look at the FIR and the complaints against the comedian, as well as the arguments advanced by his lawyer. The court may also issue directions to the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the FIR and to submit a report to the court.
Kamra’s move to the Bombay High Court is seen as a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding the FIR and the complaints against him. The comedian’s supporters and critics alike are eagerly waiting to see how the court will respond to his petition and whether it will uphold his right to freedom of speech and expression.
In conclusion, Kamra’s move to the Bombay High Court is a crucial step in the ongoing controversy surrounding the FIR and the complaints against him. The court’s decision is likely to have significant implications for the comedian and for the freedom of speech and expression in the country. As the court hears Kamra’s petition, it is important to remember that freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental right in a democratic society, and that it must be protected and upheld.
