Trouble has intensified for Gurugram-based web developer Himanshu Jangra and stand-up comedian Pranit More after the duo were summoned on Thursday by the National Commission for Women (NCW) over derogatory remarks made against women at the latter's show earlier this month.
A video of the remarks made by Jangra had gone viral on social media, sparking widespread criticism.
The controversy began after Jangra recounted, during the show, a date when he spent Rs 370 on a plate of chicken biryani for a woman. When the woman asked him to drop her home, Jangra said he sought sexual favours for the money he spent on the biryani.
More and other men present in the room were seen laughing at Jangra's comment.
After facing backlash on social media, both More and Jangra apologised for the incident, while the latter deactivated his Instagram account.
The Gurugram-based firm, where Jangra worked, also sacked him over the remark.
Meanwhile, taking suo motu cognisance of media reports and the viral video, the NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has written to the Haryana Director General of Police, seeking immediate and time-bound action and requesting an Action Taken Report within seven days.
"The NCW has taken suo motu cognisance of widely reported media coverage and viral video footage concerning an incident during a stand-up comedy show held in Gurugram, Haryana, where remarks allegedly glorifying sexual coercion and non-consensual conduct towards a woman were publicly made and subsequently applauded," the commission said in a statement.
Expressing concern over the video's content, the commission said the "normalisation or glorification of behaviour that undermines a woman's consent, dignity and bodily autonomy has far-reaching consequences for women's safety and social attitudes towards gender-based violence.
" The commission said it has sought details regarding the status of an FIR under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other applicable laws, action taken against those involved, examination and authentication of the viral video evidence, and the role of organisers, performers and venue management in the incident.
The commission also sought information on measures proposed by the state police to ensure that public entertainment platforms and digital spaces do not become vehicles for "promoting, encouraging or normalising sexual harassment, coercion, or conduct that violates the dignity of women".
The NCW said a hearing in the matter is scheduled for June 22 at 4 pm.
"The NCW has strongly condemned the incident and reiterated that consent is non-negotiable. Any attempt to portray sexual coercion, entitlement, or disrespect towards a woman's autonomy as humour or entertainment is unacceptable and contrary to the principles of equality, dignity, and safety guaranteed to women under the Constitution and laws of India," the commission said.
The NCW said it would continue to monitor the matter closely and expected prompt and appropriate action from the concerned authorities.
(With inputs from PTI)
