Supreme Court asks governments to weigh comedian’s request to merge biryani‑row FIRs

The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Union government and the states of Haryana and Maharashtra to submit their views on a petition filed by stand‑up comedian Pranit More. He is seeking that the multiple first‑information reports (FIRs) lodged in connection with the “Rs 370 biryani” controversy be clubbed together, rather than pursued as separate cases.

The biryani row began when a social‑media post claimed a popular restaurant had overcharged customers by Rs 370 per plate, sparking heated debate online and leading police in several jurisdictions to register FIRs for alleged consumer fraud and defamation. More, who has used the episode in his comedy routines, argues that the fragmented investigations waste judicial resources and create unnecessary stigma for those involved.

By requesting a consolidated approach, the comedian hopes to streamline the legal process and set a precedent for handling similar viral consumer‑complaint cases. The Supreme Court’s invitation for responses underscores the judiciary’s interest in balancing free expression, consumer protection and procedural efficiency—issues that resonate with the South‑Asian diaspora, many of whom follow Indian legal developments closely.