Maharashtra Cyber Police File FIR Against Comedian Pranit More and Others; Women's Body NCW Issue Summons

Following the backlash, both Pranit More and Himanshu Jangra issued public apologies. They also deactivated his Instagram account amid the controversy.

Maharashtra Cyber Police File FIR Against Comedian Pranit More and Others; Women's Body NCW Issue Summons
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The Maharashtra Cyber Police on June 11, 2026, registered a First Information Report (FIR) against stand-up comedian Pranit More, IT professional Himanshu Jangra, Dr. Sejal Pawar, and other unidentified individuals for allegedly publishing and circulating obscene and objectionable content through online platforms.

According to officials, the case was filed at the Nodal Cyber Police Station under Sections 75(1)(iv), 75(3), 294, and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.

The action follows the circulation of several viral videos linked to comedy shows curated by More. One video featured Dr. Sejal Pawar making controversial remarks about deceased individuals, while another showed Himanshu Jangra making the now widely discussed “₹370 biryani” comment. In the clip, Jangra allegedly suggested that spending money on a date entitled him to physical intimacy, sparking widespread criticism online.

Authorities alleged that both Jangra and Pawar were involved in the creation and dissemination of content considered obscene and objectionable. Consequently, they were booked under provisions relating to sexual harassment, distribution of obscene material, statements likely to promote public mischief, and the electronic publication or transmission of obscene content.

The controversy also drew the attention of the National Commission for Women (NCW), which took suo motu cognisance of media reports and viral footage from a stand-up comedy event held in Gurugram, Haryana. The commission expressed concern over remarks that allegedly appeared to glorify sexual coercion and non-consensual behaviour toward women.

NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar wrote to the Haryana Director General of Police, seeking immediate action and requesting an Action Taken Report within seven days. In its statement, the commission emphasized that normalising or celebrating conduct that undermines a woman's consent, dignity, and bodily autonomy can have serious social consequences and negatively influence attitudes toward gender-based violence.

The commission also sought updates on the status of any FIRs registered under relevant legal provisions, the authentication of the viral videos, actions taken against those involved, and the responsibility of organisers, performers, and venue management. Additionally, it requested details of measures being considered to prevent entertainment platforms and digital spaces from promoting or normalising sexual harassment and coercive behaviour.

Following the backlash, both Pranit More and Himanshu Jangra issued public apologies. Jangra also deactivated his Instagram account amid the controversy. Separately, a company based in Gurugram reportedly terminated Jangra's employment after his “₹370 biryani” remarks attracted widespread criticism on social media.

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