The Madras High Court on Monday extended interim protection from arrest granted to stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra in connection with an FIR registered against him at Mumbai’s Khar Police Station over his alleged remarks concerning Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Justice Sunder Mohan adjourned the matter to April 17, directing Kamra to initiate steps to approach the appropriate jurisdictional courts in the meantime.

When the matter came up for hearing, Advocate Suresh, appearing on behalf of Kamra, informed the court that three additional FIRs had recently been filed against the comedian in Maharashtra. He also raised concerns over continued hostility, stating that police authorities had visited Kamra’s parental residence in Mumbai, causing distress to his elderly parents. Furthermore, he submitted that individuals who had attended Kamra’s show were also being summoned by the police.

Suresh told the court that, in compliance with earlier directions, a private notice had been served on Khar Police Station. Responding to this, Justice Sunder Mohan directed the court registry to verify the details and include the Khar Police as respondents in the cause list.

The High Court had initially granted Kamra interim anticipatory bail on March 28, which was valid till April 7. With Monday’s order, the protection has now been extended till April 17.

Meanwhile, Kamra has also approached the Bombay High Court seeking quashing of the FIR. His plea was mentioned before a division bench led by Justice Sarang Kotwal, who agreed to hear the matter on April 8.

Kamra moved the Madras High Court claiming residence in Villupuram, Tamil Nadu. The FIR at the Khar Police Station was registered under Sections 353(1)(b), 353(2) (Public Mischief) and 356(2) (Defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Though Kamra did not explicitly name Deputy Chief Minister Shinde, workers of the Shiv Sena have alleged that the comedian indirectly referred to him as a "traitor"—a reference to Shinde's political split from the Shiv Sena. The controversy also triggered a violent backlash, with Shiv Sena workers allegedly vandalising the Habitat Studio in Mumbai, where Kamra had performed. Twelve individuals were arrested in connection with the incident and were later released on bail.

Case Title: Kunal Kamra v. State
Case No.: Crl.O.P.No.9768 of 2025