Supreme Court: Issues Notice on Pranit More FIR Clubbing Plea

• Comedian Pranit More has approached the Supreme Court seeking to club multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against him in Maharashtra and Haryana.
• The FIRs stem from the ‘Rs 370 biryani’ controversy, where an audience member made a misogynistic remark during More's show, which More then amplified.
• The Supreme Court, through a bench including CJI Surya Kant, has issued a notice in More's plea, acknowledging the argument that all FIRs are identical.
• More faces charges under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 and the Information Technology Act, with the National Commission for Women also having intervened.
• More's counsel stated he has publicly apologized, is ready for trial, and deleted the controversial video before FIRs were filed.

The Supreme Court's decision to issue a notice in Pranit More's plea for clubbing of FIRs holds significant implications for criminal procedure in India, particularly in cases involving online content and public figures.

The Supreme Court of India has issued a notice in a petition filed by comedian Pranit More, who is seeking the consolidation of multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) lodged against him. These FIRs, stemming from what has become known as the ‘Rs 370 biryani’ controversy, were registered in both Maharashtra and Haryana. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V Mohana is overseeing the matter, signaling judicial attention to the procedural complexities of handling identical criminal complaints across different jurisdictions.

More's legal counsel informed the apex court that all the criminal complaints filed against him were substantively identical in nature. The counsel further highlighted that More had already issued a public apology regarding the incident. An apology was also presented to the National Commission for Women (NCW), though it was not accepted by the body. More's representative conveyed his client's understanding of the gravity of the situation and his readiness to face trial, noting that the controversial video was deleted prior to any FIR being filed. It was also asserted that More was merely the host of the event, and the PR team involved did not seek his approval for the content.

The controversy originated during a stand-up comedy performance by Pranit More in Gurugram, where an audience member, Himanshu Jangra, made a remark that quickly drew widespread condemnation. Jangra recounted an incident where he had spent Rs 370 on chicken biryani for a date and subsequently expected sexual intimacy when the woman requested a ride home. More's reaction to this anecdote, which involved laughing along with the audience and labeling it "peak Gurugram content," became a focal point of the ensuing backlash.

The exchange, captured in a video clip that rapidly circulated online, ignited significant criticism from social media users. Many accused the comedian and the audience member of trivializing consent and sexual intimacy, sparking a broader discussion about the normalization of sexual coercion. The intense public reaction led to Himanshu Jangra reportedly losing his employment. Critics also questioned More's conduct, alleging that his laughter and subsequent sharing of the clip online amplified the objectionable comments, prompting a wider debate on the responsibilities of performers during crowd-work segments and the boundaries of comedic expression.

In response to the viral video and the public outcry, law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies initiated action. The Maharashtra Cyber Police registered an FIR against Pranit More, Himanshu Jangra, and another individual. This complaint invoked several sections of the recently enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, specifically Sections 294, 353(3), 75(2), and 75(3), alongside Section 67 of the Information Technology Act. Separately, the Gurugram Police also registered an FIR against More and Jangra following intervention from the National Commission for Women (NCW).

The NCW played a significant role in escalating the matter, taking cognizance of the viral video and actively seeking action against those involved. The Commission summoned More and stated that the remarks made during the show appeared to glorify coercive behavior and undermine the fundamental principle of consent. The NCW emphasized that the comments in the viral clip were not only offensive but also contrary to the principles of dignity and consent, underscoring the serious nature of the allegations and the multiple criminal charges More now faces.

The Supreme Court's decision to issue a notice in Pranit More's plea for clubbing of FIRs holds significant implications for criminal procedure in India, particularly in cases involving online content and public figures. The fact that identical allegations have led to separate criminal charges in different states highlights a common challenge in the Indian legal system. The apex court's consideration of this matter could provide crucial guidance on the consolidation of criminal proceedings, offering a potential avenue for individuals facing multiple, similar complaints across various jurisdictions.

This case also underscores the evolving legal landscape, with the application of new criminal codes such as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 alongside existing legislation like the Information Technology Act. For legal professionals and compliance officers, the Supreme Court's eventual ruling or observations will be vital in understanding the procedural mechanisms for consolidating criminal proceedings and the interplay of different statutes in addressing contemporary issues arising from online content. The ongoing 'Rs 370 Biryani controversy' thus serves as a pertinent example of how the judiciary navigates complex criminal charges and procedural challenges in the digital age.

Lawyers and compliance officers should note the Supreme Court's consideration of clubbing multiple FIRs across states for identical allegations, particularly in cases involving public figures and online content. This highlights a procedural avenue for consolidating criminal proceedings and the application of new criminal codes (BNS) alongside the IT Act in such matters.

Source: Original reporting via news coverage