The Maharashtra Home Department has ordered a detailed probe into all video content featuring stand-up comedian Pranit More after a controversy erupted over remarks made during one of his comedy shows.
According to reports, the investigation has been handed over to the Maharashtra Cyber Police, which will examine videos from his shows, viral clips and content shared across social media platforms to determine whether any laws were violated.
What triggered the controversy?
The row began after clips from one of Pranit More's comedy shows went viral online.
In one segment, a man identified as Himanshu Jangra joked that he felt entitled to physical intimacy because he had spent Rs 370 on a biryani during a date. The remark sparked outrage on social media, with many users calling it sexist and offensive.
Another viral clip featured MBBS student Sejal Pawar discussing anatomy sessions involving cadavers. During the conversation, she claimed that medical students would sometimes discuss and mock the private parts of male cadavers during practical sessions.
Pranit More was seen laughing at the remarks during the show, drawing criticism from viewers who accused him of encouraging or normalising inappropriate comments.
Pranit More apologises
Following the backlash, Pranit More issued a public apology and said he would cooperate with the authorities.
In the video, Pranit said, "Jinko bhi iss wajah se hurt hua hai, un sabse main maafi maangna chahta hoon. Jo bhi legal proceedings mere against ho rahi hain, uske liye main authorities ke saath co-operate bhi kar raha hoon. Main yehi request karna chahta hoon ki please mujhe ek chance do, main better insaan banke dikhaunga."
(English translation: "I want to apologise to everyone who has been hurt because of this. I am also cooperating with the authorities regarding any legal proceedings against me. I just want to request that you give me one chance, and I will prove that I can become a better person.")
Political leaders react
The controversy soon drew political attention.
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde strongly condemned Sejal Pawar's remarks, saying such comments were unacceptable and reflected a misuse of the constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression.
She stated that she would write to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking action and urging authorities to prevent such incidents at stand-up comedy events.
Congress leader Hussain Dalwai also criticised the remarks and called for action against Pranit More, saying the episode reflected a broader lack of respect towards women and social values.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, it also contains safeguards to ensure that such freedom is not misused or exercised at the cost of another person's dignity.
FIR registered, action taken
The Maharashtra Cyber Police subsequently registered an FIR against Pranit More, Himanshu Jangra, Dr Sejal Pawar and others over allegedly obscene and objectionable content.
The controversy has already led to professional consequences for some of those involved.
Himanshu Jangra was fired by his employer after the company stated that the incident had negatively affected its professional reputation and client relationships.
Sejal Pawar, who is associated with Mumbai's Seth G.S. Medical College and KEM Hospital, has been placed on 15 days' compulsory leave following public outrage over her remarks.
With the Maharashtra Cyber Police now directed to examine all content linked to Pranit More, the controversy has expanded beyond a single viral clip into a wider investigation into stand-up comedy content and the limits of free speech in public performances.
