The Maharashtra Cyber Cell has registered an FIR against comedian Pranit More and audience members Himanshu Jangra and Sejal Pawar among others over allegedly “obscene and objectionable” content circulated online through stand-up comedy shows. The case has been registered under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act, with the investigation currently underway.

The development comes days after a crowdwork clip from More’s show went viral on social media. In the video, Jangra recounted a date during which he spent ₹370 on chicken biryani and implied that the expense entitled him to physical intimacy. He then went on to describe acts that many online viewers interpreted as non-consensual. The interaction was met with laughter from both the audience and More, sparking criticism that the comedian failed to challenge or push back against the remarks.

Maharashtra Cyber officials have stated that they are examining multiple videos that allegedly contain objectionable content, including a separate clip involving doctor Sejal Pawar that also drew criticism online. Summons have reportedly been issued to More, Jangra and Pawar as part of the investigation.

The matter has also attracted the attention of the National Commission for Women (NCW), which took suo motu cognisance of the viral clip. The commission has summoned both More and Jangra to appear before it on June 22 and has written to the Haryana Director General of Police seeking action in the matter. In its statement, the NCW expressed concern over remarks that allegedly normalised or glorified sexual coercion and non-consensual behaviour.

The controversy has triggered a wider conversation around consent, crowdwork comedy and a performer’s responsibility when audience members make problematic statements on stage. Several creators and public figures criticised the clip, arguing that the issue extended beyond Jangra’s remarks and included the decision to platform and subsequently share the interaction online.

Following the backlash, More issued a public apology, stating that he would learn from the incident. Jangra was reportedly terminated from his job after the clip went viral, while Pawar’s employer, KEM Hospital and Medical College, has reportedly initiated an inquiry into her remarks. More has also faced sustained scrutiny online and has since deactivated his Instagram account.