Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has moved the Madras High Court seeking transit anticipatory bail amid an FIR registered against him for performing a parody song allegedly aimed at Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a recent show in Mumbai.

The case stems from Kamra’s appearance at the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai, where a performance triggered political backlash. Following a complaint by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel, a zero FIR was initially lodged and later transferred to Khar police station in Mumbai. The FIR cites sections 353(1)(b), 353(2) (public mischief), and 356(2) (defamation) under the Bharat Nyay Sanhita.

Kamra, who is a resident of Villupuram town in Tamil Nadu, approached the Madras High Court as the complaint originated in Mumbai but he resides outside the jurisdiction.

The comedian’s legal move follows a summons from Mumbai police to appear on March 31 regarding the case. He was initially called in on a prior date but requested a week’s extension.

Tensions escalated after Kamra’s remarks during the performance, prompting a violent response from some Shiv Sena members. The venue, Habitat Club in Khar, witnessed vandalism allegedly carried out by party workers. Police arrested 12 individuals, including Shiv Sena leader Rahool Kanal, for the incident. All were later granted bail.

During the court mention, Kamra’s legal team highlighted that he has been receiving death threats due to the controversy. Currently, according to his Instagram bio, Kamra is in Puducherry.

The Supreme Court has quashed an FIR against Congress Rajya Sabha MP Imran Pratapgarhi over a poem posted on Instagram, reinforcing its stance on protecting freedom of speech. The top court stated that courts must lead in safeguarding the right to free expression and observed that mere discomfort or disagreement cannot be grounds for curbing speech.

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan ruled that no offence was made out in the case, criticising the Gujarat Police for its prompt action against the parliamentarian. The FIR was registered in Jamnagar on January 3 by a clerk working for an advocate, who alleged that the poem “Ae khoon ke pyase baat suno” disturbed social harmony.

The court stressed that Article 19(2) of the Constitution, which allows reasonable restrictions on free speech, should not overshadow the fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 19(1). “Restrictions must be reasonable, not fanciful,” the bench noted.

Highlighting the significance of creative expression, the court said, “Literature, including poetry, drama, films, stand-up comedy, satire, and art, makes life more meaningful.” It further remarked that in a democratic society, differing opinions must be addressed with counter-speech rather than suppression.

This verdict comes amid a broader debate over artistic freedom, just days after stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra faced FIRs and public outrage for remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a performance in Mumbai.

In his defence, Congress MP claimed the poem was penned by celebrated poets Faiz Ahmed Faiz or Habib Jalib, submitting AI-generated screenshots to support his claim. The prosecution, however, argued that as a lawmaker, he should have acted more responsibly.

The Gujarat High Court had earlier refused to quash the FIR, but the Supreme Court overruled that decision, sending a strong message on the primacy of free speech in a democratic framework.

Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr and last Friday prayers of Ramzan, Meerut Police has warned the Muslims not to offer namaz on roads. The violators will face strict legal action that may lead to the cancellation of their passport and driving licences, the authority said.

Superintendent of Police (City) Ayush Vikram Singh asserted that prayers must be confined to mosques or designated Eidgahs. “No individual should perform namaz on public roads,” he said, underlining the city’s efforts to ensure public order.

Union Minister and Rashtriya Lok Dal leader Jayant Singh Chaudhary highlighted the legal consequences of violations. He also said that the criminal cases against the violators may find them difficult to obtain new passports without a court-issued No Objection Certificate (NOC). Confiscated documents would remain held until legal clearance is provided, he added.

Senior Superintendent of Police Vipin Tada confirmed that meetings had been conducted at both district and police station level to ensure any obstruction during Eid prayers. “All necessary directives have been issued after consulting stakeholders,” he said.

To prevent unrest, authorities have stepped up monitoring on social media. “Strict action will be taken against anyone trying to spread rumours or incite communal tension online,” said Tada”. The sensitive areas have been identified based on previous experiences, he added.

Security measures have been put in place with the security deployment of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel at sensitive areas. Alongwith PAC and RAF deployment, the authorities will start flag marches in key areas. Drones will be used for aerial surveillance alongwith local intelligence units to track the situation.

SSP Tada also mentioned that police are working closely with community leaders and religious figures to ensure peaceful observance of the upcoming festivals. Both uniformed and plain clothes officers have been stationed at identified sensitive locations.

The police reiterated that violations of the advisory could lead to serious legal implications, including the cancellation of vital personal documents like passports and licences.