The Bombay High Court has reserved its verdict on comedian Kunal Kamra’s plea seeking to quash an FIR lodged against him for allegedly playing the song “Mehangai Dayan” during a protest outside the residence of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The protest was held in March 2024 in Mumbai’s Malabar Hill area, and Kamra participated in it to raise concerns about inflation and unemployment.
The FIR, filed at Malabar Hill police station, accused Kamra and others of unlawful assembly and use of loudspeakers without permission. The charges were registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Maharashtra Police Act. Kamra filed a petition in the High Court challenging the FIR, calling it an attack on his right to free speech and expression.
Kamra’s lawyer argued that the protest was peaceful and the song played was part of symbolic dissent, not meant to incite hatred or violence. The advocate also highlighted that no law prohibits the playing of such songs during a protest, especially when it is conducted without disrupting public peace.
The state’s counsel, however, argued that the gathering lacked police permission and disturbed the quiet, posh residential area. After hearing both sides, the bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Manjusha Deshpande reserved the order but extended interim protection to Kamra from arrest until the final verdict is pronounced.