The Supreme Court on Monday sought responses from the Maharashtra and Haryana governments to stand-up comedian Pranit More's plea seeking the clubbing of two First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against him over the ₹370 biryani comment controversy [Pranit More v State of Maharashtra & Ors.].
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana issued notice on More's plea seeking that the FIR registered in Gurugram, Haryana, be clubbed with an earlier FIR registered in Maharashtra.
“We are seeking clubbing for FIR. Both FIRs originate from [the] same set of facts and circumstances,” submitted More's counsel.
More's plea relates to a viral video from one of his stand-up shows in Gurugram. An audience member, Himanshu Jangra, spoke about spending ₹370 on biryani during a date and suggested that he expected something in return from the woman he went out with.
The exchange, which More participated in as the host of the show, triggered widespread criticism after the video was circulated online.
The Maharashtra Cyber Police had subsequently registered an FIR against More and others over the allegedly objectionable content. A separate FIR was later registered by the Gurugram Police on a complaint by the National Commission for Women (NCW).
The NCW also took cognisance of the controversy and summoned More and Jangra over the remarks concerning consent and sexual conduct.
More eventually apologised publicly for failing to object to the remarks during the show.
Appearing for More before the Supreme Court on Monday, his lawyer submitted,
“I (More) have tendered public apology also before the NCW. Also, I was submitting a written apology. However, they did not take that. But I have apologised before all the forums.”
The lawyer also told the Court that More was willing to face trial and was only seeking that the two FIRs be clubbed.
“I understand the gravity of the situation... I'm ready to face the trial,” he submitted.
Explaining More's position on the viral video, the lawyer said the comedian had deleted it as soon as he became aware of the seriousness of the controversy.
“Even before the FIR was registered, as soon as I got to know about the gravity of the situation, I deleted the video. I was travelling at that time, and the PR team that I have, they did not take my approval before publishing the video,” he submitted.
Taking note of the submissions, the Court issued notice to the concerned authorities on More's plea seeking clubbing of the two FIRs.
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