Entertainment shouldn't cross dignity limits: Fadnavis on Rs 370 biryani row
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
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, saying that freedom of expression should not come at the cost of human dignity or societal 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. Read Full Story "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 critics accusing the duo of normalising sexual coercion and non-consensual behaviour towards women. Many also questioned the fact that the remarks were made publicly during a comedy show and were met with laughter and applause from sections of the audience.
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. Ends
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