The Maharashtra Cyber Cell has formally registered a case against stand-up comedian Pranit More, audience member Himanshu Jangra, and Dr. Sejal Pawar following the widespread circulation of highly controversial videos on social media platforms. The legal action, centered at the Nodal Cyber Police Station in Mumbai, marks a significant escalation in the public and institutional backlash against content that critics have labelled as obscene, offensive, and derogatory toward women and the dignity of the deceased.
The investigation stems from viral video clips captured during a live stand-up comedy show hosted by Pranit More in Gurugram. According to official reports, the content under scrutiny violates public decency and social norms, leading the authorities to invoke several stringent legal provisions:
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023: The case has been registered under sections including 75(1)(iv) and 75(3) (pertaining to sexual harassment and sexually coloured remarks), 294 (obscene acts and songs in public), and 353(2) (statements conducive to public mischief).
- Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000: Relevant provisions regarding the publication and transmission of obscene material in electronic form have also been applied.
Officials allege that the participants—Pranit More, Himanshu Jangra, and Dr. Sejal Pawar—were actively involved in recording, promoting, and circulating this content across YouTube and Instagram with the apparent intent of boosting viewership and generating revenue through online monetization.
The investigation focuses on two primary sequences that triggered the initial public outcry:
- The ‘Rs 370 Biryani’ Remark: During the show, Himanshu Jangra recounted a date where he spent Rs 370 on chicken biryani. He claimed that when the woman requested a ride home, he demanded sexual favours as compensation for the cost of the meal. The video shows Pranit More laughing and engaging with the comment, which authorities have flagged for portraying women in a derogatory manner and trivializing issues of consent and dignity.
- Derogatory Remarks Regarding Cadavers: In another segment of the same show, Dr. Sejal Pawar allegedly made graphic and disrespectful comments regarding the bodies of deceased males used for medical study. These remarks, which reportedly involved light-hearted commentary on the anatomy of cadavers, have been denounced as highly disrespectful to the dignity of the deceased and a violation of professional and social standards.
Following the viral spread of these clips, the consequences have extended beyond the legal sphere:
- Professional Consequences: Himanshu Jangra’s employer, Gurugram-based Starvik Design, confirmed his termination following the public outcry. Simultaneously, KEM Hospital and Medical College has launched an internal inquiry into the remarks made by Dr. Sejal Pawar.
- NCW Intervention: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident. Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has written to the Haryana Director General of Police, demanding immediate action and a comprehensive report within seven days. The NCW has also issued hearing notices to the involved parties.
- Police Investigation: Maharashtra Cyber Cell has issued formal summons to More, Jangra, and Pawar, mandating their appearance to record their statements. Officials have emphasized that the investigation is active and that appropriate legal steps will be taken against all individuals found complicit in the creation and dissemination of the content.
In the wake of the backlash, all three individuals issued public apologies on their respective social media platforms, acknowledging the hurt caused by their words. Pranit More, who faced significant criticism for his role in amplifying the remarks, admitted that laughing at the “biryani” comment was a “lapse in judgment” and that he failed to challenge the derogatory narrative.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the growing scrutiny facing digital influencers and stand-up comedians. As content creation increasingly shifts toward “crowd-work” and unscripted interactions, the line between comedic expression and the violation of legal and ethical boundaries is becoming a focal point for law enforcement.
Authorities have issued a stern advisory to content creators, warning that the pursuit of digital engagement and monetization does not grant immunity from criminal laws governing public decency and the rights of individuals.
