Kunal Karma Anticipatory Bail Extension Granted by Madras High Court
The Madras High Court on April 7, 2025, granted an extension of interim anticipatory bail to stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra until April 17, 2025. This legal protection relates to a case filed by the Khar Police in Mumbai, accusing Kamra of making allegedly defamatory remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during his recent comedy show ‘Naya Bharat’.
Why Was Kunal Kamra Granted Anticipatory Bail?
Kunal Karma Anticipatory Bail Extension Justice Sunder Mohan extended the protection after advocate V. Suresh, assisted by S. Tanvi, informed the court that they had served a private notice on the Khar police, fulfilling the court’s earlier order from March 28. Kamra had filed a petition seeking inter-state anticipatory bail, arguing that the FIR lacked merit and was politically motivated.
What Is the Case About?
During his comedy show ‘Naya Bharat’, Kamra allegedly made comments interpreted as slanderous towards Eknath Shinde. A local MLA filed a complaint on February 23, shortly after Kamra uploaded a video of the performance to his YouTube channel. Kamra’s legal team argued that his satirical poems and songs did not mention any individual by name, including the Deputy CM.
Kunal Karma Anticipatory Bail Extension Appeal Before Bombay High Court
Meanwhile, Kamra also filed a criminal writ petition in the Bombay High Court on April 5, seeking to quash the FIR. His lawyer, Navroz Seervai, urged the court to take up the matter urgently, citing death threats and security risks. Originally scheduled for April 21, the Division Bench agreed to hear the petition on April 8, 2025, in response to the urgency presented.
What Happened After the FIR?
Kamra claimed that since the interim bail on March 28, the police:
- Registered three more cases,
- Visited his elderly parents in Mumbai,
- Summoned the show spectators for questioning.
He added that he has lived in Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, since 2021, seeking a quieter life, and has only visited Mumbai to perform.
Court Observations & Next Hearing
The court did not assess the merits of the FIR but clarified that the interim relief would remain in effect until Kamra could formally apply for regular bail in the Bombay High Court. The court directed its Registry to verify whether the Khar police had received official notice and scheduled the next hearing for April 17, 2025.
Key Takeaways from Kunal Kamra Anticipatory Bail Extension
- Kunal Karma received interim anticipatory bail on March 28.
- The Madras High Court extended the protection until April 17.
- Multiple FIRs were filed by Khar Police, Mumbai.
- Bombay High Court agreed to hear his petition on April 8.
- Kamra cited death threats and political pressure in his defense.
For more updates on legal controversies involving public figures, read our coverage on Celebrity Legal Updates and Bombay High Court official notices.