Court Shields Comedian Amid Controversial Remarks and Media Backlash

The Madras High Court granted interim anticipatory bail to comedian Kunal Kamra over FIRs related to his remarks about Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. Kamra criticized media bias and stood by his controversial jokes. Political leaders condemned his comments, while Kamra emphasized his right to free speech.

The Madras High Court, on Friday, provided interim anticipatory bail to stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra. This legal relief comes amid multiple FIRs filed against him for allegedly controversial statements regarding Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Justice Sunder Mohan sanctioned bail until April 7, setting specific conditions.

Kamra had sought transit anticipatory bail from the court, citing threats following his satirical commentary. On Thursday, the comedian criticized mainstream media, accusing it of acting as a governmental propaganda tool, referring to them as "vultures" and blaming them for spreading misinformation and neglecting significant issues.

In an online post, Kamra stated, "The mainstream media currently serves as a miscommunication arm of the ruling party. If they ceased operations, it would benefit the country." Mumbai police summoned Kamra again after he missed a prior appearance despite seeking a week's extension. The controversy stems from Kamra's "gaddar" joke perceived as targeting Shinde, which led to political outrage and a subsequent attack by Shiv Sena's youth wing on the comedy venue hosting his show.

Defending his statement, Kamra insisted that entertainment venues shouldn't be held accountable for his material. He expressed his willingness to cooperate with law enforcement and criticized the politically motivated vandalism, equating it to nonsensical actions like damaging a tomato lorry over unsatisfactory food.

Kamra addressed threats from political figures, affirming his legal rights to free expression, highlighting that humor directed at powerful figures is within his constitutional rights, countering media's stance that typically favors the influential.

(With inputs from agencies.)