Popular comedians Harsh Gujral and Madhur Virli have been summoned by the Maharashtra Cyber Cell over allegations that they used obscene and objectionable language in their stand-up comedy performances.
Both comedians have been directed to appear before the cyber cell for questioning on October 19. According to an official, the agency launched an investigation after receiving a complaint from a woman. However, it remains unclear which jokes or performances led to the complaint.
The development comes amid growing scrutiny of allegedly obscene content shared by comedians and digital creators. Maharashtra Cyber has previously taken action in cases involving controversial comedy, including investigations into other stand-up comedians over allegedly objectionable material.
In February 2025, comedian Samay Raina’s YouTube show India’s Got Latent sparked widespread controversy following remarks made during an episode. The incident prompted legal scrutiny and criticism of the content featured on the programme.
Several other comedians and content creators, including Pranit More, Apoorva Mukhija and Ranveer Allahbadia, have also faced scrutiny over comments made during separate shows and performances.
Beyond stand-up comedy, Harsh Gujral has appeared in films and television programmes. He played Rehan Qureshi in the 2025 comedy film Mere Husband Ki Biwi, which featured Arjun Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar and Rakul Preet Singh. He has also appeared on programmes such as The Kapil Sharma Show and Madness Machayenge - India Ko Hasayenge. Additionally, he participated in reality shows including The Traitors and Khatron Ke Khiladi.
Madhur Virli, meanwhile, faced criticism in June 2026 after an old clip from his stand-up special Love & Latex resurfaced online. The clip featured a joke about rape that attracted widespread backlash.
Following the criticism, Virli issued a public apology. He said he had realised shortly after performing the joke that it was inappropriate and had removed the segment at the time. He also acknowledged that sensitive subjects require greater care and discretion.
Neither Gujral nor Virli has publicly responded to the summons so far.
Further details about the investigation are awaited.
