India, May 1 -- The Bombay high court on Wednesday dismissed a petition filed by Shiv Sena MLA Kiran Samant, which alleged that public personalities like stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra posted provocative material on digital platforms to gain traction and financial benefits, thereby abusing constitutional freedom and undermining the dignity of judicial institutions.

The petition impleaded Kamra as a respondent, for publishing contemptuous material on YouTube, and the union of India and Google LLC, for failing to regulate such content. But the court raised questions about the "selective targeting" of Kamra, saying, "You have impleaded only one person. There are several others who say things about judiciary. You haven't impleaded them."

The...