Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday commented on the controversy surrounding the viral "Rs 370 biryani" remark, stating that while freedom of expression is a constitutional right, it should not come at the expense of human dignity or violate accepted social boundaries.
Addressing the issue, Fadnavis said that the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression to all citizens but also provides safeguards to prevent its misuse. He argued that unrestricted expression can sometimes infringe upon the dignity and rights of others, something that constitutional principles do not permit.
The controversy began after a Gurgaon-based tech professional, Himanshu Jangra, recounted an incident during a stand-up comedy performance by comedian Pranit More. In the clip, Jangra claimed he had spent Rs 370 on a plate of chicken biryani during a date and later sought sexual favours from the woman in return for the money he had spent when she asked him for a ride home.
The remarks quickly triggered widespread criticism on social media, with many people arguing that they appeared to trivialise sexual coercion and normalise behaviour that undermines consent and women's dignity. The fact that the comments were made in a public comedy setting and reportedly received laughter from sections of the audience further intensified the backlash.
Fadnavis, while noting that he personally enjoys stand-up comedy, said entertainment should remain within reasonable standards of decency and respect. He stressed that humour should not cross societal boundaries or compromise basic human dignity in the pursuit of laughs.
As public outrage grew, Maharashtra Police registered a case against More, Jangra and others for allegedly circulating obscene and objectionable content online. Jangra was subsequently dismissed from his job at a Gurugram-based company after the video attracted widespread attention.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) also took cognisance of the matter and summoned both More and Jangra. The commission sought details regarding steps being taken to ensure that public entertainment platforms and digital spaces do not become avenues for promoting or normalising sexual harassment, coercion, or conduct that compromises women's dignity.
Following the controversy, both Jangra and More issued public apologies. More later deactivated his Instagram account as the backlash continued to grow. The matter remains under scrutiny from law enforcement authorities and regulatory bodies.
