A Rs 370 plate of biryani sparked a national debate on consent. A doctor’s offhand remark about cadavers added fuel to the fire. Now, Maharashtra Cyber has turned both viral moments into a formal FIR.
Image Source: Instagram
Maharashtra Cyber has registered an FIR against stand-up comedian Pranit More, audience member Himanshu Jangra, doctor Sejal Pawar, and others in connection with allegedly obscene and objectionable content that spread widely on social media. The case was lodged at the Nodal Cyber Police Station under FIR No. 36/2026. The charges are filed under Sections 75(1)(iv), 75(3), 294, and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, read with Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Maharashtra Cyber said the content circulating across YouTube, Instagram, and other platforms contained obscene and objectionable remarks involving women, consent, and deceased persons. It also alleged that clips from the programme hosted by Pranit More were recorded and monetised to gain online traction and commercial benefit.
Advertisement
The FIR is the latest and most significant legal escalation in a controversy that began with a crowdwork segment at a live comedy show.
Advertisement
The controversy began after a crowdwork clip from one of Pranit More’s stand-up shows started circulating online. Crowdwork is style of comedy where performers interact directly with audience members. During the interaction, 23-year-old audience member named Himanshu Jangra spoke about date he had been on.
He mentioned spending around Rs 370 on plate of chicken biryani and bottle of water. Himanshu suggested that since he spent money on date, he expected something in return. He used the phrase “wasool toh karunga” implying entitlement to some physical intimacy although she said ‘no’.
Most criticism was directed at Himanshu Jangra’s remarks. But Pranit More also faced backlash for his response during the exchange. In the viral clip, More laughed at the audience member’s comments and described the moment as “Peak Gurgaon content” before egging him on to spill details.
The clip spread rapidly. Outrage followed. The conversation around video quickly shifted from a viral comedy moment to a national debate on consent, misogyny, responsibility of performers during live interactions.
A second controversy emerged from the same show. During another audience interaction, a woman identified as Sejal Pawar, associated with Mumbai’s KEM Hospital, spoke about experiences involving cadavers. She said that she and her colleagues would compare the sizes of male cadavers’ private parts.
These statements came out when there was a debate on whether doctors remain serious during autopsies and body work, or if they tend to joke around during these processes. The video soon went viral and received backlash from medical experts and the general public. Most people maintained that body donations should be honoured and respected. Many highlighted that those who donate their bodies contribute immensely to medical learning.
Both incidents were linked to the same show hosted by Pranit More. And both went viral. Both triggered separate but overlapping rounds of public criticism.
Himanshu Jangra issued public apology and later deactivated his social media accounts. It also affected his professional life with his employer reportedly terminating his employment following the incident.
Following the backlash, Pranit More issued public apology. In his statement, he wrote: “I’ve seen the criticism regarding a recent crowdwork clip. The comments made by the audience member do not reflect my views. Looking back, I should have challenged the remark instead of laughing and moving on. That was a lapse in judgement on my part.”
Sejal Pawar also issued an apology on Instagram, writing: “I genuinely want to address a clip from a recent video that has been circulating. Having watched it back, I completely understand why people were upset by what I said. I recognize that impact matters more than intent. I take responsibility for it.” Her Instagram account was made private shortly after the apology was posted.
The National Commission for Women took suo motu cognizance of widely reported media coverage and viral video footage concerning the incident at the stand-up comedy show held in Gurugram, Haryana, where remarks which allegedly glorified sexual coercion and non-consensual conduct towards a woman were publicly made and subsequently applauded.
The Commission condemned the incident and said that a woman’s consent can never be a matter of compromise and that presenting sexual harassment or behaviour against the dignity of women as humour or entertainment is unacceptable.
Considering the seriousness of the matter, the Commission issued notices to Pranit More and Himanshu Jangra, summoning them to appear before the Commission on June 22, 2026, at 4 pm.
The Commission also sought information on whether an FIR had been registered under the relevant sections, the status of the examination and verification of the viral video, and the stage of the investigation into the role of the organisers, performers, and venue management. It also asked state police to specify measures that would be taken to ensure that public entertainment and digital platforms are not used to disseminate content derogatory towards women or promotes harassment.
The FIR invokes BNS Section 75(1)(iv) and 75(3), which relate to acts intended to outrage the modesty of women. Section 294 covers obscene acts and songs whereas Section 353(2) addresses statements that cause public mischief. Section 67 of the IT Act, 2000 deals with publishing obscene material in electronic form.
The National Commission for Women also directed the Haryana DGP to take immediate action and submit Action Taken Report highlighting the need for stricter monitoring of digital entertainment spaces.
Pranit More is an Indian stand-up comedian, YouTube content creator, television personality. He rose to mainstream fame as contestant on 19th season of Bigg Boss in 2025. His channel has over 2 million subscribers and his videos have accumulated over 774 million views. He is known for observational comedy rooted in everyday Indian life.
The investigation is ongoing. No arrests have been reported at the time of publication.
Advertisement
