As of April 17, 2025, the Bombay High Court has granted comedian Kunal Kamra interim protection from arrest in connection with an FIR filed against him for allegedly making defamatory remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a stand-up comedy performance. The court has reserved its order on Kamra’s petition seeking to quash the FIR and has extended his temporary protection from arrest pending the final judgment .
The FIR was lodged at Khar police station in Mumbai, accusing Kamra of derogatorily labeling Shinde as “gaddar” (traitor) during his performance. This incident led to an uproar, including vandalism at the studio by Shiv Sena members where the act was recorded .
Kamra had previously been granted interim anticipatory bail by the Madras High Court in March 2025, which was extended until April 17 .
The Bombay High Court’s decision to grant interim protection from arrest has been reported by several news outlets, including the Indian Express, Hindustan Times, NDTV, and the Times of India .
Sources