NCW summons Pranit More, Himanshu Jangra over anti-women social media content
Synopsis
The National Commission for Women has summoned comedian Pranit More, audience member Himanshu Jangra, and stand-up performer Madhur Virli over social media content allegedly demeaning to women — with the NCW chief separately writing to Haryana Police for an FIR. Jangra reportedly lost his job in Gurugram, and both More and Jangra deactivated their Instagram accounts before issuing fresh apologies, raising pointed questions about accountability for misogynistic content dressed up as comedy.
Key Takeaways
The NCW summoned Pranit More , Himanshu Jangra , and Madhur Virli for a hearing on 22 June 2026 at 4 pm in New Delhi .
Himanshu Jangra , aged 22 , allegedly compared a woman's dignity to 'Rs 370 ki biryani' in a crowd-work video shared by More.
NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar wrote to the Haryana DGP seeking an FIR under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and an Action Taken Report within 7 days .
Jangra reportedly lost his job in Gurugram ; both he and More deactivated their Instagram accounts before issuing apologies.
A separate 2024 video of Madhur Virli making an allegedly offensive rape-related remark during a stand-up act also resurfaced, prompting his summons.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Monday, 22 June 2026, summoned comedian Pranit More, audience member Himanshu Jangra, and stand-up performer Madhur Virli over alleged objectionable content on social media said to be detrimental to the dignity of women. The hearing was scheduled for 4:00 pm at the NCW office in New Delhi, after the Commission took suo motu cognisance of the controversy.
What Triggered the Controversy
The episode originated from a crowd-work video shared by Pranit More in which 22-year-old Himanshu Jangra allegedly equated a woman's dignity with 'Rs 370 ki biryani'. The clip spread rapidly across social media platforms, drawing widespread condemnation from users, influencers, and women's rights advocates. Both More and Jangra subsequently issued public apologies, but the video had already been extensively shared before it was deleted. Jangra also deactivated his Instagram account in the aftermath.
NCW's Action and Haryana Police Notice
NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar wrote to the Director General of Police, Haryana, seeking swift action in the matter. She requested the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sought a detailed Action Taken Report within seven days. Hearing notices were subsequently issued to More and Jangra, directing them to appear before the Commission on 22 June 2026 at 4 pm.
Jangra's Personal and Professional Fallout
The backlash extended beyond the digital sphere. Himanshu Jangra reportedly lost his job in Gurugram amid the controversy, according to reports. Pranit More also deactivated his Instagram account before reappearing in a video to apologise again and appeal for a second chance from the public.
Madhur Virli's Resurfaced 2024 Video
Separately, a 2024 video of stand-up performer Madhur Virli resurfaced online in which he allegedly made an offensive remark during a stand-up act involving a reference to rape. The clip drew fresh criticism. Virli subsequently issued a clarification on his YouTube channel, stating he was 'genuinely sorry' for the remarks. The NCW's summons to Virli covers this separate incident alongside the More-Jangra matter.
Broader Context
This is not the first time the NCW has intervened in cases involving allegedly derogatory content targeting women on digital platforms. The Commission's decision to act suo motu signals a firmer regulatory posture toward online speech that critics argue normalises misogyny under the cover of comedy. The outcome of the 22 June hearing is expected to set a visible precedent for how content creators and their audiences are held accountable for remarks made in public-facing formats.
Point of View
But cannot compel an FIR or impose penalties directly. The real accountability test lies with Haryana Police and whether the BNS provisions cited by Chairperson Rahatkar are actually invoked. The Virli summons, covering a video from 2024, also raises a separate question about the statute of limitations on social media outrage cycles and whether resurfaced content can and should trigger fresh institutional action.
NationPress
22 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the NCW summon Pranit More and Himanshu Jangra?
The NCW summoned comedian Pranit More and 22-year-old Himanshu Jangra over a crowd-work video in which Jangra allegedly compared a woman's dignity to 'Rs 370 ki biryani.' The Commission took suo motu cognisance after the clip went viral and drew widespread condemnation online.
What action did NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar take?
NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar wrote to the Director General of Police, Haryana, seeking registration of an FIR under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). She also requested a detailed Action Taken Report within seven days.
Why was Madhur Virli also summoned by the NCW?
Madhur Virli was summoned over a 2024 stand-up video that resurfaced online in which he allegedly made an offensive remark referencing rape. Virli issued a clarification on his YouTube channel saying he was 'genuinely sorry' for the remarks.
What were the consequences for Himanshu Jangra?
Himanshu Jangra reportedly lost his job in Gurugram following the controversy. He also deactivated his Instagram account. Both he and Pranit More issued public apologies after the video spread widely.
What is the significance of the NCW's suo motu action?
The NCW's decision to act suo motu — without a formal complaint — signals a firmer stance toward online content that allegedly demeans women. However, the Commission's powers are largely recommendatory; the actual filing of an FIR depends on Haryana Police acting on Chairperson Rahatkar's letter.
