Bengaluru: The proposed stand-up comedy show by Munawar Faruqui in Bengaluru has once again triggered a major controversy, with a Hindu organisation urging the police to cancel the event citing a history of disputes, legal cases and repeated cancellations across the country over law and order concerns.
The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti on April 17, Thursday submitted a formal representation to Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh, seeking denial of permission for Faruqui’s upcoming show scheduled for April 18. The organisation argued that allowing the performance could potentially disturb public peace and communal harmony, given the comedian’s track record of controversies.
In its letter, the Samiti referred to the 2021 case registered against Faruqui in Indore under provisions related to hurting religious sentiments. The comedian was arrested in the case and spent over a month in judicial custody before being granted bail by the Supreme Court. The matter, according to the organisation, is still pending before the court.
The group further highlighted that complaints had been raised against Faruqui in multiple cities including Prayagraj and Mumbai over allegedly objectionable content in his shows. It claimed that his style of comedy, which often touches upon religion and social issues, has repeatedly sparked protests and strong reactions from various sections.
Significantly, the organisation emphasised that a majority of Faruqui’s shows in several cities including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad, Goa, Raipur and Gurgaon have either been cancelled or denied permission in the past. According to the representation, these cancellations were largely driven by apprehensions of law and order problems, public protests and security concerns rather than mere procedural lapses.
Bengaluru itself has witnessed similar disruptions earlier. In November 2021, one of Faruqui’s performances was called off following objections from certain groups. Again in August 2022, his show titled “Dongri to Nowhere” was cancelled, with police citing lack of prior permission even as protests and complaints over content had surfaced.
Citing this pattern, the Samiti argued that there is a “reasonable apprehension” that the upcoming show could lead to unrest if permitted. It urged the police to thoroughly assess the performer’s background and the possible law and order implications before granting clearance. The organisation maintained that its request was aimed purely at maintaining peace and preventing any untoward incidents.
Some leaders associated with the outfit went a step further, alleging that Faruqui’s content frequently targets Hindu beliefs and deities, thereby hurting sentiments. They questioned the “selective nature” of such satire and argued that freedom of expression should not cross the line into perceived disrespect of religious faiths.
Hindu leaders alleged that under the right of freedom of expression Faruqi targeting Hindu beliefs which allows others as part of community. On other hand other religions spread hatred in society by provocating to kill others. The leaders questioned double standards of Faruqi in making comedy which stir peace in society.
Police officials, for their part, said that they have not yet formally processed the representation. They indicated that any decision would be taken after evaluating security inputs, permissions obtained by organisers and potential risks to public order.
Faruqui is scheduled to perform his latest stand-up special “Dhandho” in the city and organisers are hopeful that the show will go ahead as planned. Yet, with mounting pressure from protesting groups and the history of repeated cancellations hovering in the background, uncertainty continues to surround the event. The episode once again highlights the law and order considerations in India’s live entertainment space, with Faruqui’s shows increasingly becoming a flashpoint in that ongoing debate.
