'Rs 370 biryani' joke lands in legal trouble: NCW, Maharashtra cyber cell act in comedian Pranit More row

NCW takes suo motu cognisance

The NCW has taken suo motu cognisance of the controversy after videos from More's stand-up show dominated social media discussions for days.

In a letter to Haryana's Director General of Police, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar sought immediate police action, including the registration of an FIR under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The Commission has also asked for a detailed Action Taken Report within seven days.

Hearing notices have been issued to comedian Pranit More and audience member Himanshu Jangra, directing them to appear before the Commission on June 22 at 4 pm.

The viral remark that sparked outrage

The controversy centres on an interaction during one of More's stand-up performances, where audience member Himanshu Jangra was invited to share a personal dating experience.

Jangra recounted spending around Rs 370 on a chicken biryani during a date and later claimed he wanted to "vasool" or recover the money when the woman asked him to drop her home.

The remark was widely interpreted online as suggesting entitlement to physical intimacy in return for paying for the meal.

Videos of the exchange spread rapidly across social media, drawing criticism from users who accused the performers of trivialising consent and misogyny.

During the interaction, More reportedly referred to the exchange as "peak Gurgaon content", while audience members were seen laughing and applauding.

Job loss, apologies and deleted content

As the backlash intensified, Jangra was identified online and later dismissed by his employer, Starvik Design, which said his remarks did not reflect the company's values.

Both Jangra and More subsequently issued public apologies, while some of the related content was reportedly removed from online platforms.

Maharashtra cyber registers FIR

The controversy has now moved beyond social media and into the legal arena.

Maharashtra Cyber Department has registered an FIR against Pranit More, Himanshu Jangra, Dr Sejal Pawar and others at the Nodal Cyber Police Station under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.

According to investigators, the content was recorded and circulated through YouTube, Instagram and other digital platforms.

Officials allege that one of the viral clips featured comments that portrayed women in a derogatory manner and appeared to normalise expectations of physical intimacy in exchange for money spent during a date.

Another viral clip under scanner

Investigators have also cited a separate viral clip allegedly involving Dr Sejal Pawar, in which she is accused of making obscene and derogatory remarks about deceased male bodies and medical cadavers used for educational purposes.

Authorities contend that the comments were disrespectful to the dignity of the deceased and violated accepted standards of public decency.

Cyber officials further allege that the videos were promoted and distributed across social media platforms to boost audience engagement and monetisation.

Summons have been issued to More, Jangra and Dr Pawar for questioning and the recording of statements.

NCW: Consent cannot be a punchline

Expressing concern over the viral content, the NCW said the normalisation of behaviour that undermines consent and dignity can have serious social consequences.

"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 said.

The body has also sought details regarding the role of performers, organisers and venue management, while calling for safeguards to ensure public entertainment events and digital platforms do not promote content that encourages harassment, coercion or the degradation of women.

Debate over comedy and accountability

The controversy has reignited a broader debate over the limits of comedy and free expression.

Supporters argue that the remarks were part of an edgy comedy performance taken out of context, while critics maintain that jokes rooted in entitlement, coercion and gender stereotypes risk reinforcing harmful attitudes beyond the stage.