Comedian Pranit More moves the Supreme Court over two FIRs registered in connection with an objectionable stand-up remark made during a show in Gurugram, Haryana. The controversy arose after a clip went viral in which a man associated with the event said he had spent Rs. 370 on biryani and suggested he deserved sexual intimacy in return. Social media backlash followed, and FIRs were filed against More and others involved.
In the hearing, More’s counsel says the comedian apologises on all forums, including the National Commission for Women, and that the video was deleted soon after he became aware of the seriousness of the matter. More also tells the court that his PR team posted the video without his approval, while he was only the host of the show. The counsel requests that the Gurugram FIR be clubbed with another FIR filed in Bombay, stating he is willing to face trial.
The Supreme Court asks the Centre, and Maharashtra and Haryana governments, to respond to More’s plea. Different outlets focus on the procedural request to club FIRs and on the explanation about how the video was published, including that it was shared by the PR team without the comedian’s consent.
