Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra faces contempt charges over a series of tweets criticizing the Supreme Court for granting interim bail to Republic TV founder Arnab Goswami.
Attorney General KK Venugopal on Thursday gave his consent to initiate contempt proceedings against Kamra, Bar and Bench reported.
A Mumbai-based advocate had on Wednesday sought Venugopal’s permission to initiate contempt proceedings against the comedian for his tweets against the Supreme Court for ordering the release of Goswami.
Rizwan Siddiquee claimed that Kamra’s comments were contemptuous for their allegedly “salacious and unruly” nature.
On Thursday, two other lawyers based in Pune, and a law student also sought Venugopal’s consent to initiate contempt proceedings against Kamra.
“It is time that people understand attacking the Supreme Court unjustifiably and brazenly will lead to punishment,” Venugopal said in his response.
The comedian’s tweets were not only in bad taste but clearly crossed the line between humour and contempt, the Attorney General said.
“The tweet is a gross insinuation against the entirety of the Supreme Court of India and its judges,” said Venugopal.
“Today people boldly and brazenly condemn the Supreme Court and its judges in what they believe is freedom of speech,” he said.
Kunal Kamra has put out multiple tweets targeting the Supreme Court and judges since Wednesday.