Stand-up comedian Pranit More has landed in legal trouble after a controversial remark made by an audience member during his show in Gurugram sparked widespread outrage on social media.
On Thursday, the National Commission for Women (NCW) summoned More and web developer Himanshu Jangra over comments made during the stand-up performance that allegedly glorified sexual coercion and non-consensual conduct towards a woman.
The NCW said it had taken suo motu cognisance of media reports and a viral video from the event. According to the commission, the remarks were not only made publicly but were also met with laughter and applause from sections of the audience.
NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has written to the Haryana Director General of Police, seeking immediate and time-bound action in the matter. The commission has also requested an Action Taken Report within seven days.
As part of its proceedings, the NCW has issued notices to both Pranit More and Himanshu Jangra, directing them to appear before the commission on June 22, 2026.
The commission has sought details on the status of an FIR under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other applicable laws. It has also asked authorities to examine and authenticate the viral video and clarify the role of the organisers, performer and venue management in the incident.
Additionally, the NCW has sought information on measures being taken to ensure that public entertainment platforms and digital spaces do not become avenues for promoting or normalising sexual harassment, coercion or behaviour that undermines the dignity of women.
Thin line between vulgarity and freedom of Speech
The controversy began during a crowd interaction segment at More's Gurugram show. Himanshu Jangra recounted an incident involving a date where he spent ₹370 on a plate of chicken biryani. He then claimed that when the woman asked him to drop her home, he expected sexual favours in return for the money he had spent.
A video of the exchange showed Pranit More laughing at the comment, encouraging Jangra to continue speaking and later rewarding him, drawing sharp criticism online.
The remark quickly went viral, with many social media users condemning it as misogynistic and inappropriate. The backlash also had professional consequences for Jangra, who was reportedly dismissed by a Gurugram-based firm. He later deactivated his Instagram account.
Pranit More and Himanshu have deactivated thier IG accounts
Following the backlash, Pranit More shared a public apology before his Instagram account became inaccessible.
"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 judgment on my part," he wrote.
Acknowledging that he could have handled the situation differently, More said that live crowdwork often requires performers to react instantly, but added that this was "not an excuse."
He also confirmed that the video had been removed from all platforms, saying he did not want to "amplify or normalise those views."
"I'm human, and like anyone else, I'm constantly learning," the comedian added in his apology.
Jangra also apologised for the remark after facing criticism online.
