Stand-up comedian Yash Rathi has come under fire for his performance at an event at IIT Bhilai, which led to an FIR being filed against him. The incident occurred on November 15 during the institute’s annual festival, where Rathi performed in front of students, faculty, and parents. A video that went viral showed the comedian allegedly using objectionable language, prompting complaints from the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), and the Karni Sena to the IIT management and police.
Another video surfaced showing a professor in the audience, who appeared uncomfortable during Rathi’s performance. In the clip, the professor is seen covering his ears with his fingers while Rathi continues his stand-up routine. Users on social media identified the man as an IIT professor.
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Vulgur Comedy Gone Wrong
A standup comedy organised at the Indian Institute of Technology – Bhilai turned embarrassing when comedian Yash Rathi started vulgar jokes which made a professor shut his ears. All were shocked and a member of the organizing committee intervened,… pic.twitter.com/Nmi7KfH9uN
— Anshul Garg (@AnshulGarg1986) November 19, 2024
In response to the incident, a case was registered under Section 296 (using obscene words or acts) of the Indian Penal Code. The offence carries a penalty of up to three months in prison, a fine of Rs. 1,000, or both. The case was filed based on a complaint from the IIT management.
IIT Bhilai’s director, Rajiv Prakash, expressed shock over the comedian’s language, stating, “During the show when Rathi allegedly started using objectionable words, the institute management intervened and asked him to get down from the stage. Stand-up comedy acts were held during the institute’s annual fest in the past but such language was never used by performers.” Prakash also announced that future stand-up comedy performances will no longer be allowed at the annual fest. Rathi has not yet commented on the controversy.
