Police summon Dr. Sejal Pawar, case against Pranit More over controversial remarks

The Maharashtra Cyber police have registered a case and issued summons against Mumbai-based doctor Dr. Sejal Pawar, stand-up comedian Pranit More, and web developer Himanshu Jangra, along with other unidentified individuals, for allegedly creating and circulating "obscene and objectionable" content on social media platforms. The action follows widespread public outrage and intense social media discussions over two viral clips from Pranit More's stand-up comedy shows. One clip featured audience member Himanshu Jangra, who recounted a date where he spent approximately ₹370 on chicken biryani and subsequently made a remark implying an expectation of sexual favors in return. This comment was widely criticized for trivializing consent, objectifying women, and reducing dating to a transactional exchange. The phrase "₹370 biryani" quickly became a meme and a shorthand for entitled male behavior in India, sparking a national debate on consent, gender attitudes, and accountability. Following the backlash, Himanshu Jangra was reportedly fired from his job, and he, along with Pranit More, issued public apologies. The second major point of contention arose from another clip from the same stand-up show, featuring Dr. Sejal Pawar. In this video, Dr. Pawar made remarks about how she and her colleagues would joke about and compare the sizes of male cadavers' private parts during anatomical dissections in a medical college lab. This comment drew severe criticism for disrespecting the dignity of the deceased and body donors, raising serious ethical concerns within the medical community and among the public. Dr. Pawar subsequently issued a public apology via her Instagram account, acknowledging the insensitivity of her remarks and taking responsibility. The Maharashtra Cyber police initiated a preliminary probe into these viral video clips, which they determined contained offensive remarks concerning women, consent, and deceased persons, thereby violating public decency and legal frameworks. Consequently, an FIR was registered at the Nodal Cyber Police Station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including sections 75(1)(iv), 75(3), 294, and 353(2), as well as Section 67 of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000. Summons have been issued to Pranit More, Himanshu Jangra, and Dr. Sejal Pawar, directing them to appear before Maharashtra Cyber to record their statements. Beyond the police action, the National Commission for Women (NCW) also took *suo motu* (on its own motion) cognizance of Jangra's video clip, which originated from a show in Gurugram. The NCW has issued summons to both Pranit More and Himanshu Jangra, requiring them to appear for a hearing on June 22, 2026. Additionally, the NCW chairperson has written to the Haryana Director General of Police (DGP), demanding a swift investigation and requesting an action taken report (ATR) within seven days. These developments underscore the serious legal and ethical implications arising from content disseminated online, particularly by content creators and digital influencers. Maharashtra Cyber has also issued an advisory urging all online content creators and digital influencers to comply with legal frameworks and societal norms when producing and disseminating content, warning against sharing or circulating controversial clips as it could lead to legal action. The incidents have reignited public discussions in India about the boundaries of comedy, freedom of speech, personal accountability, and the respect due to individuals, both living and deceased, in public discourse and digital spaces. The widespread attention and official actions serve as a significant reminder of the potential consequences of remarks made in public forums, especially when amplified through social media, affecting personal reputations, professional careers, and societal values. The combined controversies reflect a growing demand for greater sensitivity and responsibility from public figures and online content creators in India.

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