NCW summons comedians over ‘Rs 370 Biryani’ remarks

Commission condemns glorification of sexual coercion, calls for accountability

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has summoned comedian Pranit More and web developer Himanshu Jangra after a viral video from a Gurugram stand-up show sparked outrage. The commission said the remarks made during the performance appeared to trivialise sexual coercion and undermine the principle of consent.

The controversy began when Jangra narrated a date where he spent ₹370 on chicken biryani and implied that the expense entitled him to sexual favours. More, present on stage, was seen laughing at the comment. The NCW strongly condemned this exchange, stressing that consent is non-negotiable and cannot be reduced to a joke. It added that such portrayals reinforce harmful stereotypes and contribute to the culture of gender-based violence.

Taking suo motu cognisance of media reports and the viral clip, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar wrote to the Haryana Director General of Police, urging immediate investigation and an Action Taken Report within seven days. The commission has asked for details on whether an FIR has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other laws, authentication of the video, and accountability of organisers, performers, and venue managers. It also sought information on measures proposed by the police to ensure that entertainment platforms and digital spaces do not promote or normalise harassment or coercion.

A hearing in the matter has been scheduled for June 22 at 4 pm. The NCW reiterated its commitment to monitoring the case closely and ensuring that appropriate action is taken. It emphasised that attempts to depict coercion or disrespect towards women’s autonomy as comedy are unacceptable and violate constitutional principles of equality and dignity.

The backlash was swift across social media, with criticism pouring in from different parts of the country. Both More and Jangra later issued apologies. Jangra deactivated his Instagram account and was dismissed from his job at a Gurugram-based firm over the “Rs 370 biryani” remark.

The NCW’s intervention underscores a firm stance against the misuse of entertainment platforms to normalise behaviour that undermines women’s rights, reinforcing the message that women’s consent and autonomy must always be respected.