Maharashtra Cyber files FIR against comedian Pranit More over obscene content
Synopsis
Maharashtra Cyber has booked stand-up comedian Pranit More and two others under the BNS and IT Act over clips from a comedy programme that allegedly denigrate women, trivialise consent, and mock deceased persons. The FIR adds to a growing list of legal actions against digital comedy content in India, with investigators also flagging commercial monetisation as part of the alleged offence.
Key Takeaways
Maharashtra Cyber registered FIR No.
36/2026 on 11 June 2026 against comedian Pranit More , Himanshu Jangra , Sejal Pawar , and others.
The FIR was filed under Sections 75(1)(iv), 75(3), 294, and 353(2) of the BNS, 2023 , read with Section 67 of the IT Act, 2000 .
Clips circulated on YouTube and Instagram allegedly contain derogatory remarks about women, consent, and deceased persons.
Himanshu Jangra is accused of remarks trivialising consent; Sejal Pawar is accused of derogatory comments about deceased bodies.
Authorities allege the content was disseminated for commercial monetisation and audience growth.
Maharashtra Cyber has registered an FIR (No. 36/2026) against stand-up comedian Pranit More, Himanshu Jangra, Sejal Pawar, and others over the alleged publication and dissemination of obscene and objectionable content across social media platforms, an official statement confirmed on Thursday, 11 June 2026. The case has been registered at the Nodal Cyber Police Station, Maharashtra Cyber, under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 and the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000.
What the FIR Alleges
The offence has been registered under Sections 75(1)(iv), 75(3), 294, and 353(2) of the BNS, 2023, read with Section 67 of the IT Act, 2000. According to the official statement issued by Maharashtra Cyber, the case stems from videos and clips circulated on YouTube, Instagram, and other social media platforms in connection with a programme hosted by Pranit More.
'The content being widely circulated allegedly contains obscene, offensive, and objectionable remarks concerning women, consent, and deceased persons, which are against accepted societal norms and attract provisions of criminal law,' the statement read.
Specific Allegations Against Each Accused
Investigators from Maharashtra Cyber allege that one clip featured Himanshu Jangra making remarks suggesting entitlement to physical intimacy in exchange for money spent on a date — content the department says portrays women in a derogatory manner and trivialises issues of consent and dignity.
A separate clip allegedly shows Sejal Pawar making obscene and derogatory comments about deceased male bodies and medical cadavers used for educational purposes. Authorities contend the content is disrespectful to the dignity of the deceased and contrary to accepted standards of public decency.
Intent and Monetisation Angle
The Maharashtra Cyber statement alleged that the content was recorded, promoted, and disseminated across digital platforms with the apparent objective of increasing viewership and audience engagement, and of deriving financial and commercial gains through online monetisation and other revenue-generating activities. This framing suggests investigators may pursue commercial culpability alongside content-related charges.
Maharashtra Cyber's Broader Mandate
The Office of the Additional Director General of Police, Maharashtra Cyber, functions as the nodal office for all cyber-related matters in the state. The department stated it continues to monitor online platforms and social media ecosystems to identify and act against content that may violate applicable laws or adversely affect public order, dignity, and societal interests. This action is part of a broader pattern of increased scrutiny of stand-up comedy content on digital platforms in India, where several comedians have faced legal proceedings in recent years over remarks deemed offensive.
Point of View
Which could set a precedent for how platforms and creators are held accountable. What the FIR does not address is the broader platform responsibility — YouTube and Instagram hosted and algorithmically amplified this content, yet the legal action targets only the creators. As India's digital content ecosystem matures, the asymmetry between creator liability and platform accountability will increasingly demand legislative clarity.
NationPress
27 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has been booked by Maharashtra Cyber in the Pranit More case?
Stand-up comedian Pranit More, Himanshu Jangra, Sejal Pawar, and others have been booked by Maharashtra Cyber under FIR No. 36/2026 registered on 11 June 2026. The case was filed at the Nodal Cyber Police Station, Maharashtra Cyber.
What are the charges in the Pranit More FIR?
The FIR invokes Sections 75(1)(iv), 75(3), 294, and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, read with Section 67 of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000. These sections relate to obscene content, acts offensive to public decency, and publishing obscene material online.
What content triggered the Maharashtra Cyber FIR?
The FIR stems from clips circulated on YouTube, Instagram, and other platforms linked to a programme hosted by Pranit More. One clip allegedly features Himanshu Jangra making remarks trivialising consent, while another allegedly shows Sejal Pawar making derogatory comments about deceased bodies used for medical education.
Why did Maharashtra Cyber flag the monetisation angle?
Authorities alleged that the content was disseminated with the apparent objective of increasing viewership and deriving financial gains through online monetisation. This framing could be used to establish commercial intent alongside the content-related charges.
What is Maharashtra Cyber's role in this case?
The Office of the Additional Director General of Police, Maharashtra Cyber, is the nodal office for all cyber-related matters in Maharashtra. It monitors online platforms and social media to identify content that may violate applicable laws or adversely affect public order and societal interests.
