Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel has vowed to confront comedian Kunal Kamra over his “traitor” jibe aimed at Maharashtra’s Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, alleging Kamra avoids police summons related to an FIR filed against him.

NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel on Tuesday said the party will confront stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra over his “traitor” jibe at Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde whenever he comes to Mumbai, alleging that the comedian has been deliberately avoiding police summons.
The FIR against Kamra was registered last month at Mumbai’s Khar police station based on Patel’s complaint over a remark made in Kamra’s stand-up special Naya Bharat, which premiered on YouTube. The comedian has been booked under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 353(1)(b) (statements conducing to public mischief) and 356(2) (defamation).

Kamra yet to appear despite three summons

“He is still not coming to Mumbai. He is running outside the state. He has to come today or tomorrow,” Patel told reporters, adding that though Kamra has been granted anticipatory bail by the Madras High Court, “many such notices come and go.”
Kamra, who is known for his anti-establishment views, has so far failed to appear before the police despite being summoned thrice. He has requested questioning via video conference, citing death threats received after the release of his show.

Courts intervene amid Kamra’s plea

On Monday, the Madras high court extended the interim transit anticipatory bail granted to Kamra till April 17. A day later, the Bombay High Court issued a notice to the Mumbai police and MLA Patel over Kamra’s petition seeking quashing of the FIR. The matter is scheduled to be heard on April 16.
Kamra has defended his show as satire and argued that the FIR infringes on his right to free speech.