₹370 biryani note line: Gurugram police book Himanshu Jangra, Pranit More for ‘sexual harassment’, obscenity charges | Today’s news

The Gurugram police charged Himansha Jangra and stand-up comedian Pranit More with sexual harassment and other sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) on Tuesday, June 16, during the “ ₹370 biryani” note.

They also asked social media platforms to remove the viral video.

In an official statement on Tuesday, the Gurugram police said, “Keeping safety and respect for women on top priority, the Gurugram police have registered a case regarding an objectionable video that has gone viral on social media.

Acting on a complaint by the National Commission for Women (NCW) and on a suo motu cognizance, the police said the accused – Himanshu Jangra and Praneet More – were identified during the investigation of this registered case.

“They will be issued legal summons to join the investigation and further legal proceedings will follow,” they said.

Read also | Kunal Kamra slams Pranit More’s apology for ₹370 biryani

What are the allegations against Himanshu Jangra and Praneet More?

A case has been registered at the DLF Phase 2 police station under the following sections:

• IT Act, § 67: Publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form
• BNS, section 294: Sale, distribution or display of obscene material
• BNS, § 75 paragraph 2: Refers to the most serious forms of sexual harassment, such as unwelcome physical contact, demanding sexual favors or forcing a woman to view pornography against her will. It is a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment for up to 3 years.
• BNS, § 75 paragraph 3: This specifically covers the act of “sexually tinged remarks”. If the video contains verbal sexual harassment or inappropriate sexual comments directed at women, this subsection applies. He faces up to 1 year in prison.
• BNS, § 353 paragraph 3: A statement leading to public unhappiness in a religious setting

The Gurugram police have also sent legal requests and notices to the concerned social media platforms to stop the dissemination of the said video content which affects the dignity of women. “Actions have been taken to remove the video.”

“An in-depth investigation into the matter is underway under the direction of the Commissioner of Police, Gurugram,” the statement said.

The Gurugram Police also made it clear that any objectionable or illegal activity against the modesty and honor of women will not be tolerated and strict legal action will be ensured against the perpetrators.

Read also | ‘Biryani is dinner, disagree’: Zomato breaks silence on ‘₹370’ screenshot

Action needed on offensive remarks…: Union Minister Annapurna Devi

Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi has strongly condemned the trend of derogatory remarks about women in stand-up comedy shows, calling the practice “extremely bad” and calling for strict legal action against the perpetrators.

The minister’s remarks come on the heels of a major controversy involving comedian Pranit More and web developer Himanshu Jangra.

However, the minister did not mention two.

“Whether it’s a comedy show or any other program, definitely action should be taken against people who make inappropriate remarks about women,” she told reporters here when asked about comedians making inappropriate jokes about women during stand-up shows.

‘My condition is very bad…’: Himanshu Jangra

Himanshu Jangra, who is facing an FIR over his remarks in a viral crowd-sourced video of comedian Pranit More’s show, has said he regrets being on the show and claimed that parts of the dating story he told on stage were “improvised” for entertainment purposes.

“The story I told you was that I was talking about a girl… I was dating a girl… but sir, the story I told you was not entirely true. I told you an improvised story,” he said.

Read also | Himanshu Jangra reacts to the impact of the ₹370 biryani viral note

‘I Deserve Hate’: Pranit More Issues Second Apology

Pranit More issued a second apology, saying he failed to object to the comment, which he called an “error in judgment”.

In a video posted on his Instagram page, the comedian acknowledged his mistake and said he should have intervened.

“I get a lot of hate and I feel like I probably deserve it. When I was doing crowd work with that person, he made derogatory remarks and everyone laughed. I got carried away and it was an error in judgment.”

“I feel that was my biggest mistake. I could have stopped him, but I gave him a platform, which escalated the situation,” More said.