Pranit More Moves SC In 'Rs 370 Biryani' Controversy; Court Issues Notice

The Supreme Court on Monday sought responses from the Centre, Haryana government and Maharashtra government on a plea filed by comedian and 'Bigg Boss 19' fame Pranit More, who has requested the clubbing of two FIRs registered against him in separate jurisdictions over the controversial “Rs 370 biryani” remark made during a stand-up show in Gurugram.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued notice after More's counsel informed the court that the comedian had apologised before multiple forums, including the National Commission for Women.

Court Hears Comedian's Plea:

During the hearing, More's counsel told the court that the comedian was not the person who made the controversial remark and had already taken corrective steps after realising the seriousness of the issue. “I have apologised before all the forums, and I was just the host of the show. I understand the gravity of the situation, but the only thing I am seeking is that the Gurgaon FIR be clubbed with the Bombay FIR. I'm ready to face the trial...” the counsel submitted before the bench.

The counsel further stated, “Even before the FIR was registered, as soon as I got to know about the gravity of the situation, I deleted the video. I was travelling at that time, and the PR team that I have, they did not take my approval before publishing the video.”

Photo Credit: Instagram

How The Controversy Began:

The controversy erupted after a clip from More's stand-up comedy show went viral on social media. During the performance, Gurugram-based web developer Himanshu Jangra narrated an incident involving a date where he allegedly spent Rs 370 on a plate of chicken biryani. Jangra claimed that when the woman later asked him to drop her home, he sought sexual favours in return for the money spent on the meal. The video showed More laughing at the comment, which drew widespread criticism online.

Many social media users described the remark as insensitive and derogatory towards women. Others also questioned More for not objecting to the statement on stage.

Apologies And Fallout:

Following the backlash, both More and Jangra publicly apologised. Jangra also deactivated his Instagram account amid the controversy. The issue further impacted Jangra professionally. His employer, design firm Starvik Design, terminated his employment after the video sparked outrage online. Company founder Vivek Vishwakarma later confirmed the dismissal through a video posted on X.

The Supreme Court will now examine More's plea seeking the consolidation of the Gurugram and Mumbai FIRs, while responses from the Centre and the two state governments are awaited.