NCW Summons More, Jangra Over Rs 370 Biryani Remark at Gurugram Show
New Delhi: The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Thursday summoned comedian Pranit More and web developer Himanshu Jangra over alleged remarks during a stand-up comedy show in Gurugram, which the commission said glorified sexual coercion and non-consensual behavior towards a woman.
The commission said that considering media reports and a video of the incident going viral, its chairperson, Vijaya Rahatkar, wrote to the Haryana Director General of Police, requesting immediate and time-bound action and requested an Action Taken Report within seven days.
“NCW took immediate notice of widely reported media reports and viral video footage of an incident that took place during a stand-up comedy show in Gurugram, Haryana, where statements glorifying sexual coercion and non-consensual behavior against a woman were allegedly made public and subsequently applauded,” the commission said in a statement. he said.
Expressing concern about the content of the video, the commission said that “normalizing or glorifying behavior that undermines women’s consent, dignity and bodily autonomy has far-reaching consequences for women’s safety and social attitudes towards gender-based violence.”
The commission said it was seeking details regarding the status of an FIR under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other applicable laws, action taken against those involved, examination and verification of viral video evidence and the role of organisers, artistes and venue management in the incident.
The commission also sought information on measures proposed by the state police to ensure that public entertainment platforms and digital spaces do not become tools that “encourage, promote or normalize sexual harassment, oppression or behavior that violates the dignity of women.”
NCW said a hearing on the matter will be scheduled for June 22 at 4 p.m.
“NCW strongly condemned the incident and reiterated that consent is non-negotiable. Any attempt to portray sexual coercion, entitlement or disrespect for women’s autonomy as humor or entertainment is unacceptable and goes against the principles of equality, dignity and security guaranteed to women under the Constitution and laws of India,” the commission said. he said.
NCW said it will continue to monitor the matter closely and expects prompt and appropriate action from the relevant authorities.
The discussion started when Jangra narrated the date when she spent Rs 370 on a plate of chicken biryani during the show. When the woman asked him to drop her home, Jangra said she wanted sexual favors for the money she spent on biryani. More people were seen laughing at Jangra’s comment.
Both More and Jangra later apologized for the incident after facing backlash on social media; The latter also deactivated his Instagram account.
A Gurugram firm also sacked him for his “Rs 370 biryani” remark.
