Anubhav Bassi’s Lucknow shows cancelled after police denies permission

Two comedy shows featuring stand-up comedian Anubhav Singh Bassi, scheduled to take place in Lucknow, were cancelled after the local police denied the required No Objection Certificate (NOC).

The decision followed a letter from the Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission Vice Chairperson Aparna Yadav, who urged the cancellation of the shows.

Yadav raised concerns over Bassi’s previous performances, highlighting the use of inappropriate language and comments, particularly towards women.

According to police sources, the two shows, scheduled for 3:30 pm and 7 pm on Saturday at the Indira Gandhi Pratisthan in Vibhuti Khand, were denied approval due to potential law and order concerns.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Vibhuti Khand), Radharaman Singh, confirmed the decision and said, “The NOC for the shows was not granted due to concerns about maintaining law and order.”

In her letter dated February 14, Aparna Yadav referred to Bassi’s previous shows available on social media platforms, where she observed the use of “indecent words” and “undignified comments,” particularly aimed at women.

She urged the Director General of Police to take a stand against such language in public performances.

Yadav requested that the show be cancelled and that similar events be reviewed in the future.

She also urged the assistant engineer at Indira Gandhi Pratisthan, calling for a reassessment of events held at the venue.

Speaking to reporters, she emphasised that her request aimed at ensuring the youth were not misled or influenced by inappropriate content during public performances.