Kunal Kamra Faces Five New Cases in Maharashtra for ‘Traitor’ Remark in Parody Song

MUMBAI — Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has once again made headlines, this time for calling Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde a “gaddar” (traitor) in a parody song. The controversial remark has led to five separate FIRs filed against him in Maharashtra.

Kamra, known for his bold political satire and outspoken views, is no stranger to legal troubles. Over the years, he has faced several cases, particularly for his sharp criticism of public figures, judges, and institutions.

Previous Legal Battles: A Timeline

Kamra’s legal journey has been long and eventful. Let’s take a look at four key incidents where the comedian found himself at odds with the law:

1. In-Flight Middle Finger to the CJI

In 2020, Kamra posted a photo of himself on a flight, holding up two fingers with the caption:

“One of these 2 fingers is for [then] CJI Arvind Bobde… ok let me not confuse you, it’s the middle one.”

The post sparked a contempt of court petition.

2. Comparing the Judiciary to First-Class Air Travel

Kamra later tweeted about Justice DY Chandrachud (who is now the Chief Justice of India), criticizing the judge for granting bail to TV anchor Arnab Goswami in a high-profile abetment to suicide case. Kamra wrote:

“(CJI) DY Chandrachud is a flight attendant serving champagne to first class passengers while commoners don’t even know if they’ll ever be boarded or seated.”

This tweet too triggered legal proceedings for contempt.

 3. Calling the Apex Court a “Brahmin-Baniya” Affair

In another controversial comment, Kamra referred to the Supreme Court as a “Brahmin-Baniya affair”, leading to a third contempt petition.

4. Altered Image of Supreme Court with BJP Flag

Kamra also shared a digitally altered image of the Supreme Court building coloured saffron with the BJP flag hoisted above it. The move drew criticism, and a lawyer from Varanasi, Saurabh Tiwari, filed a complaint seeking an FIR for “disrespecting the national flag.”

However, the Varanasi magistrate dismissed the plea due to lack of jurisdiction. A revision petition was also rejected by the district court.

Where Do These Cases Stand Now?

All the contempt petitions filed against Kamra were eventually clubbed and heard together by the Supreme Court. Despite repeated listings (seven in total), the matters remain unresolved.

On January 5, 2023, CJI DY Chandrachud recused himself from hearing the case as Kamra had criticised one of his earlier judgments. The matter was last heard on January 23, 2023, and then adjourned. Since then, it hasn’t returned to the court’s schedule.

Kamra has consistently refused to apologise. In his defence, he said:

“My jokes can’t shake the foundations of the judiciary.”

The Bigger Picture: Freedom of Speech vs Contempt

Kunal Kamra’s case has become symbolic of the ongoing debate between freedom of speech and limits on criticism of the judiciary.

While some believe satire and dissent are essential in a democracy, others argue that public figures must act responsibly and avoid mocking constitutional institutions.

Final Word

Whether you agree with Kunal Kamra or not, one thing is clear—the conversation around free speech, dissent, and judicial accountability in India is far from over. His legal battles continue to highlight the delicate balance between expression and respect for the rule of law.