Entertainment shouldn't cross dignity limits: Fadnavis on Rs 370 biryani row
Devendra Fadnavis slammed the 'Rs 370 biryani' remark, saying that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, entertainment should not come at the cost of human dignity or cross the boundaries of decency.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday weighed in on the controversy surrounding the viral 'Rs 370 biryani' remark made during a stand-up comedy show, which has drawn criticism for normalising sexual coercion and undermining women's dignity, saying that freedom of expression should not come at the cost of human dignity and social boundaries.
Reacting to the row, which has sparked widespread outrage and triggered legal action, Fadnavis said that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, it also contains safeguards to prevent its misuse, and that freedom of expression should not cross the limits of dignity in the name of entertainment.
"The Constitution of India has granted freedom of expression to everyone. However, at the same time, the Constitution itself has established safeguards to ensure this freedom is not misused. When expression becomes limitless, it encroaches upon the citizens' right to live with dignity, and our Constitution does not permit such an infringement," Fadnavis said.
The controversy erupted after a Gurgaon-based techie recounted an incident during a stand-up comedy show by comedian Pranit More in which he claimed to have spent Rs 370 on a plate of chicken biryani during a date. He said that when the woman asked him to drop her home, he sought sexual favours in return for the money he had spent on the Biryani.
The comments triggered a massive backlash on social media, with many slamming it as normalising sexual coercion and non-consensual behaviour towards women. Many also questioned the fact that the techie, Himanshu Jangra, made the remarks made publicly during a comedy show and were met with laughter and applause from sections of the audience and the comedian More.
Saying that he enjoys stand-up comedy himself, the Maharashtra chief minister said entertainment should not violate accepted standards of decency.
"While everyone enjoys stand-up comedy, and I watch it myself, it is not right to violate societal boundaries or the limits of dignity in the pursuit of entertainment. Stand-up comedy should be performed with due regard for at least the minimum parameters of dignity," he added.
As the controversy snowballed, the Maharashtra Police registered a case against More, Jangra and others for allegedly circulating obscene and objectionable content online. Jangra was also dismissed by his Gurugram-based employer after the clip sparked widespread outrage on social media.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also summoned More and Jangra over the remarks. It 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".
Both More and Jangra had issued public apologies, while the comedian subsequently deactivated his Instagram account.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday weighed in on the controversy surrounding the viral 'Rs 370 biryani' remark made during a stand-up comedy show, which has drawn criticism for normalising sexual coercion and undermining women's dignity, saying that freedom of expression should not come at the cost of human dignity and social boundaries.
Reacting to the row, which has sparked widespread outrage and triggered legal action, Fadnavis said that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, it also contains safeguards to prevent its misuse, and that freedom of expression should not cross the limits of dignity in the name of entertainment.
"The Constitution of India has granted freedom of expression to everyone. However, at the same time, the Constitution itself has established safeguards to ensure this freedom is not misused. When expression becomes limitless, it encroaches upon the citizens' right to live with dignity, and our Constitution does not permit such an infringement," Fadnavis said.
The controversy erupted after a Gurgaon-based techie recounted an incident during a stand-up comedy show by comedian Pranit More in which he claimed to have spent Rs 370 on a plate of chicken biryani during a date. He said that when the woman asked him to drop her home, he sought sexual favours in return for the money he had spent on the Biryani.
The comments triggered a massive backlash on social media, with many slamming it as normalising sexual coercion and non-consensual behaviour towards women. Many also questioned the fact that the techie, Himanshu Jangra, made the remarks made publicly during a comedy show and were met with laughter and applause from sections of the audience and the comedian More.
Saying that he enjoys stand-up comedy himself, the Maharashtra chief minister said entertainment should not violate accepted standards of decency.
"While everyone enjoys stand-up comedy, and I watch it myself, it is not right to violate societal boundaries or the limits of dignity in the pursuit of entertainment. Stand-up comedy should be performed with due regard for at least the minimum parameters of dignity," he added.
As the controversy snowballed, the Maharashtra Police registered a case against More, Jangra and others for allegedly circulating obscene and objectionable content online. Jangra was also dismissed by his Gurugram-based employer after the clip sparked widespread outrage on social media.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also summoned More and Jangra over the remarks. It 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".
Both More and Jangra had issued public apologies, while the comedian subsequently deactivated his Instagram account.
