Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has called for a complete ban on stand-up comedy shows, announcing her intention to formally write to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the matter.
The Mayor’s demand follows a major controversy involving a comedy show hosted by comedian Pranit More in Gurugram, which led to the Maharashtra Cyber cell registering a First Information Report (FIR) over allegedly “obscene and objectionable” content circulated online.
The Controversial Content under Investigation
According to the Maharashtra Cyber cell, the legal action stems from viral video clips shared on platforms like YouTube and Instagram. The content allegedly features remarks that compromise public decency, specifically targeting women, consent, and the deceased.
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The “Cadaver” Row: One viral clip features Dr. Sejal Pawar, a student from Mumbai’s KEM Hospital who attended the show. The investigation states she made derogatory and disrespectful comments regarding male corpses and medical cadavers used for educational purposes.
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The “Date” Row: Another clip features Himanshu Jangra making remarks that suggested an entitlement to physical intimacy based on money spent during a date, which authorities state trivializes consent and demeans women.
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Commercial Intent: Officials noted that these clips were intentionally recorded and disseminated across social media to boost engagement, viewership, and online monetization.
Political and Official Reactions
“Stand-up comedy shows should be banned. I oppose this; it does not befit our Indian culture… I will write a letter to the Chief Minister.”
— Ritu Tawde, Mumbai Mayor
While the Mayor is pushing for a total ban, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took a more measured yet cautionary stance regarding free speech.
Fadnavis stated that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and comedy should generally remain unrestricted, there are necessary boundaries. “When expression becomes unrestrained, it infringes upon the right of individuals in society to live with dignity,” the Chief Minister warned.
Legal Charges Filed
The Nodal Cyber Police Station has officially booked Pranit More, Himanshu Jangra, Dr. Sejal Pawar, and others involved under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 and the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000:
| Act / Legal Framework | Applied Sections | Focus of the Charge |
| Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 | Sections 75(1)(iv), 75(3), 294, and 353(2) | Obscenity, statements conducing to public mischief, and insulting the dignity of women/deceased. |
| Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 | Section 67 | Publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form. |
The Maharashtra Cyber cell is continuing its investigation into the distribution and promotion of the videos.
