Stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui, widely known for his controversial and bold sense of humor, finds himself in the midst of legal trouble yet again. His JioHotstar streaming stand-up event Hafta Vasooli has triggered outrage and a formal complaint by Supreme Court Advocate Amita Sachdeva. The complaint accuses Faruqui of hurting religious sentiments, obscenity, and cultural offenses, thus reopening the debate on free expression and content censorship in India.
The Complaint and Allegations
On February 22, 2025, Advocate Amita Sachdeva filed a complaint against Munawar Faruqui, stating that Hafta Vasooli contains content that insults different religions and uses vulgar language unfit for public viewing. She requested the filing of an FIR under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 196, 299, 353, as well as the IT Act. Sachdeva labeled Faruqui a “repeated offender” and claimed that his content has adverse effects on young minds and society as a whole.
In her statement on the social media site X (formerly Twitter), Sachdeva shared the copy of the complaint and said that she might push for legal action if the authorities would not act on her complaint. She also expressed her criticism of streaming services like JioHotstar for promoting such content that lacks any regulation.
Right-Wing Opposition
Meanwhile, Hafta Vasooli has been condemned by the right-wing organization Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, which is calling for an immediate ban. The organization claimed that the show denigrated moral values while using obscene language. They called upon JioHotstar in an open post on X to enact some form of regulation over the content that they provide in order to ensure it resonates within the bounds of societal acceptability.
About Hafta Vasooli
Hafta Vasooli graced screens for the first time on February 14, 2025, as a satirical newsroom-comedic venture starring Munawar Faruqui alongside celebrity guests Sharib Hashmi, Vivian Dsena, and Saqib Saleem. The show mixes humor and commentary with current affairs, although it has been criticized for irreverence. A clip that circulated recently shows Faruqui mocking influencer Elvish Yadav’s snake poison scandal, stirring more controversy.
Munawar Faruqui’s Past Controversies
This is not the first time Munavar Faruqui has faced trouble with the law for his humor. In 2021, during a live show in Indore, he was arrested for allegedly using jokes about Hindu gods and political figures. The incident sparked a raging debate about artistic freedom versus religious sentiments in India.
His shows have faced dictums of cancellation after right-wing protests time and again. That said, he became a household name after winning Bigg Boss 17, which served as a big platform to resurrect his career.
Rising Scrutiny of OTT Content
The Hafta Vasooli controversy arrives against the backdrop of a changing Indian atmosphere, with OTT content in India being increasingly scrutinized. Many comedians and influencers have found themselves recently embroiled in various degrees of legal rhetoric regarding allegedly offensive material. For instance, the list contains Comedian Samay Raina, currently contesting multiple FIRs for jokes made by him. Podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia was under fire for a so-called scandalous show with the name of India’s Got Latent.
There have been many echoes calling for stricter amendments to regulations on digital platforms. These incidents unveil the rising tension between the right to creative expression and dignified cultural sentiments within the Indian entertainment industry.
What Lies Ahead?
Till now, Munawar Faruqui hasn’t made any released public comments about any allegations against him or in support of the demand for a prohibition on Hafta Vasooli. The show runs on JioHotstar, with increasing backlash from all corners.
Should the authorities proceed with the case meanwhile, conversely, should public agitation intensify, we would have yet another flashpoint of the ongoing discourse on censorship versus free expression in India. Meanwhile, all eyes will now be hooked on JioHotstar to see what course of action it will adopt in keeping this show.
The new controversy highlights yet again how difficult it is for creators to navigate India’s rich and tumultuous socio-political environment. For some, such controversies are seen as efforts to rein in something offensive, while, for others, they are interpreted as an assault on creative expression. The ensuing legal proceedings will certainly amplify discussions regarding this balance between free speech and respect for cultural practices in multicultural societies like India.
About Author
Syeda Ayesha is a passionate 3rd year BBA LLB student at Sultan-Ul-Uloom College of Law in Hyderabad, with a special interest in criminal law and family law. She has built her academic journey on a solid foundation of legal principles, progressing from basic to advanced levels, and is eager to apply this knowledge in practice. Determined to gain practical experience, she is committed to learning more about the law. Ayesha is excited about the opportunity to work in a dynamic legal environment, which she sees as a valuable avenue for both personal and professional growth.
