Maharashtra Cyber police have registered a case against stand-up comedian Pranit More following his controversial '₹370 biryani' remark. The National Commission for Women has also summoned More and the audience member who made the remark.
The Maharashtra Cyber police on Thursday registered a case against stand-up comedian Pranit More after a controversial remark made during his show went viral. The remark, dubbed the '₹370 biryani' comment, has sparked widespread outrage on social media.
Key Points
- Maharashtra Cyber police file case against Pranit More over '₹370 biryani' remark
- NCW summons More and audience member Himanshu Jangra
- Jangra loses his job following the controversy
- More apologizes, says audience comments do not reflect his views
The controversy erupted after a short clip from More's show surfaced online, in which a man, identified as 23-year-old Himanshu Jangra, is heard saying he paid ₹370 for a biryani on a date and therefore deserved a 'return' on his investment. Jangra made private details of his date public, while More and the crowd laughed without interrupting him.
Following intense backlash, More issued an apology, stating that the comments made by the audience member do not reflect his views. However, several social media influencers slammed him for failing to stop Jangra when he made the remarks and demanded accountability. Jangra, a web developer, also lost his job as the Gurugram firm where he worked sacked him over the incident.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Thursday summoned More and Jangra over the remarks, saying it appeared to glorify sexual coercion and non-consensual conduct towards a woman. Taking suo motu cognisance of media reports and the viral video, NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar wrote to the Haryana Director General of Police, seeking immediate and time-bound action and an Action Taken Report within seven days.
The NCW expressed concern that the normalisation or glorification of behaviour that undermines a woman's consent, dignity, and bodily autonomy has far-reaching consequences for women's safety and social attitudes towards gender-based violence. The commission has sought details regarding the status of an FIR under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other applicable laws, action taken against those involved, and the role of organisers, performers, and venue management. A hearing in the matter is scheduled for June 22 at 4 pm.