GURGAON: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of an incident during a stand-up comedy show in Gurgaon, Haryana, after a viral video showed remarks allegedly glorifying sexual coercion and non-consensual conduct towards a woman.The Commission on Thursday said it had taken note of media reports and video footage related to the incident, where the remarks were allegedly made publicly.The women’s rights body expressed concern over the content of the viral video and the way the alleged conduct was presented before a public audience.“The Commission observed that the normalisation or glorification of behaviour that undermines a woman’s consent, dignity, and bodily autonomy has far-reaching consequences for women’s safety and social attitudes towards gender-based violence,” NCW said.The Commission said that such acts could affect public attitudes towards women’s safety and gender-based violence.Haryana DGP asked to submit action reportNCW chairperson Smt Vijaya Rahatkar has written to the DGP Haryana, seeking “immediate, stringent, and time-bound action” in the matter.The commission has asked the Haryana Police to submit a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) within seven days.It has also sought details about the status of an FIR under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other applicable laws.Probe sought into video, organisers’ roleThe NCW has asked police to provide details about the action taken against those involved, examination and authentication of the viral video evidence, and the role of organisers, performers and venue management.The Commission also sought information on steps being taken to ensure that public entertainment platforms and digital spaces do not become places for promoting or normalising sexual harassment, coercion, or conduct that violates women’s dignity.Pranit More and Himanshu Jangra summonedThe Commission has issued hearing notices to comedian Pranit More and Himanshu Jangra in connection with the matter.Both have been summoned to appear before the Commission on June 22.‘Consent is non-negotiable’: NCWThe NCW strongly condemned the incident and reiterated that 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 and laws of India,” the Commission said.
