- June 12, 2026
Rs 370 Biryani Row: Fadnavis Says Comedians Must Know Limits — Here’s Where Constitution Draws The Line
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Maharastra CM Fadnavis weighed in on Rs 370 biryani controversy, backing free speech but warning comedians to know their limits — as NCW summons those involved for June 22 hearing.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis’ remarks came days after a viral video from a stand-up comedy show in Gurugram sparked widespread outrage.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday entered the national debate over the ‘Rs 370 biryani‘ controversy, backing freedom of expression while drawing a clear line at content that crosses the bounds of decency.
“The Constitution has given the right to freedom of expression. I follow stand-up comedians — it is entertaining — but everyone should know the limitation. I expect that no one should cross their limits,” Fadnavis said.
His remarks came days after a viral video from a stand-up comedy show in Gurugram sparked widespread outrage, triggering action by the National Commission for Women (NCW) and cost one of the performers his job.
What Is The ‘₹370 Biryani’ Row?
The controversy centres on web developer Himanshu Jangra, who narrated an anecdote at the show about spending ₹370 on a plate of chicken biryani on a date.
He then said he sought sexual favours from the woman in exchange for the money spent — a remark that drew laughter from the audience and from comedian Pranit More, who was hosting the event.
The video went viral, drawing sharp condemnation from women’s rights groups and social media users. Both Jangra and More subsequently apologised, with Jangra also deactivating his Instagram account. A Gurugram firm fired Jangra over the remarks.
What Action Has Been Taken?
Taking suo motu cognisance of the viral video, the NCW said the remarks appeared to “glorify sexual coercion and non-consensual conduct towards a woman.” NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar wrote to the Haryana Director General of Police seeking immediate action and an Action Taken Report within seven days.
The commission has summoned both More and Jangra for a hearing on June 22. The NCW has also sought details on the status of an FIR under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and information on what steps police plan to take to ensure public entertainment platforms do not normalise sexual harassment.
What Does Freedom Of Expression Cover — And Where Does It End?
Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of speech and expression, covering the right to express one’s views and opinions on any issue through any medium. However, the right is not absolute.
Article 19(2) permits the state to impose reasonable restrictions in the interests of sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the state, public order, decency or morality, contempt of court, defamation, or incitement to an offence.
Legal experts note that content normalising sexual coercion could fall foul of the decency and morality threshold, as well as provisions of the BNS dealing with statements that outrage the modesty of women or amount to criminal intimidation.
What The NCW Said
“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,” the NCW said in its statement. The commission added it would monitor the matter closely and expected prompt action from Haryana authorities.
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