Maharashtra cyber police have registered a case against stand-up comedian Pranit More following controversial remarks made during a recent show. The First Information Report (FIR) also names two audience members, web developer Himanshu Jangra and Dr. Sejal Pawar, who were part of the exchange during the performance. The remarks have led to significant social media backlash, prompting More to issue a public apology and temporarily deactivate his Instagram account.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy erupted after a clip from More’s show went viral on social media. In the clip, an audience member, identified as Himanshu Jangra, is heard recounting a date where he spent ₹370 on biryani and felt entitled to a “return” on his investment, implying sexual favors. More, along with the crowd, was seen laughing at these remarks. Several social media influencers and women’s groups have slammed More for not intervening or stopping Jangra when he made the offensive comments, demanding accountability.
Legal and Official Actions
The Maharashtra Cyber Police registered the case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, for the alleged publication and dissemination of obscene and objectionable content online. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also taken suo motu cognisance of the incident, summoning both More and Jangra. The NCW stated that the remarks appeared to glorify sexual coercion and non-consensual conduct towards women.
Following the backlash, Jangra, a web developer, was reportedly sacked by his Gurugram-based firm over his “₹370 biryani” remark. Pranit More, a 35-year-old comedian who grew up in Thane, has a history of public appearances, including a stint on the reality show Bigg Boss last year. During his time on Bigg Boss, host Salman Khan had reportedly cautioned him about his humor style after a joke involving a woman’s bracelet. Old clips of More’s performances have circulated online, with critics accusing him of relying on misogynistic humor in previous shows.
Comedians and Legal Scrutiny in Maharashtra
This incident is the latest in a series of controversies involving stand-up comedians in Maharashtra that have drawn legal scrutiny over the past decade. Notable cases include the All India Bakchod (AIB) Knockout roast in 2015, which faced accusations of vulgarity and obscenity, leading to multiple FIRs. Tanmay Bhat, a co-founder of AIB, also faced controversy and stepped away from the group amid #MeToo allegations in 2018.
More recently, podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia faced legal action over alleged inappropriate comments made on a show, prompting the Supreme Court to grant him protection from arrest. Comedian Kunal Kamra has also faced multiple legal challenges, including contempt of court proceedings, for his critical remarks on political figures and the judiciary. These incidents highlight the ongoing tension between freedom of expression in comedy and the legal boundaries set by Indian law. Comedians often find themselves navigating a fine line, with past jokes and public statements being re-examined and leading to legal consequences.
In response to the current controversy, Pranit More issued an apology, stating that the audience member’s comments did not reflect his views. He acknowledged that he should have challenged the remark instead of laughing, calling it a lapse in judgment. He also confirmed that the video clip in question had been removed from all platforms. The FIR registered against More and others involves sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act, 2000, related to the publication of obscene and objectionable content.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
