In a significant move, popular streaming platform Ullu has quietly removed the controversial reality show House Arrest, hosted by actor Ajaz Khan, following widespread backlash over its explicit and objectionable content. The show, which debuted on April 11, 2025, is no longer accessible on the platform, although Ullu has yet to issue an official statement addressing the removal.
The Spark Behind the Controversy: Explicit Content and Coercion Allegations
House Arrest was marketed as an edgy reality show featuring 12 contestants – including nine women – confined together in a villa, tasked with performing various challenges. However, the show quickly drew sharp criticism after viral clips surfaced online depicting Ajaz Khan encouraging female participants to simulate sexual acts and remove their undergarments on camera. These scenes were widely condemned as vulgar, exploitative, and a blatant violation of consent.
Several social media users, activists, and political figures expressed outrage, accusing the show of crossing ethical boundaries and promoting obscenity under the guise of entertainment.
Legal Action and FIR Filed Against Ajaz Khan and Producers
Following the uproar, an FIR was registered against Ajaz Khan and the show’s producer Rajkumar Pandey at Amboli police station in Mumbai. The complaint, reportedly filed by Gautam Ravriya, a Bajrang Dal activist, cites violations under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Information Technology Act, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act.
This legal move underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the growing demand for accountability in digital content creation.
National Commission for Women (NCW) Steps In: Summons Issued
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of the matter, highlighting concerns over the show’s promotion of vulgarity and the coercion of women contestants into intimate acts on camera. The NCW has summoned Ajaz Khan and Ullu CEO Vibhu Agarwal to appear before it on May 9, 2025.
NCW’s official statement on X (formerly Twitter) read:
“Viral clips show women being coerced into intimate acts on camera. NCW slams the platform for promoting vulgarity and violating consent.”
This intervention reflects the commission’s commitment to safeguarding women’s dignity in the rapidly evolving OTT content landscape.
Political Voices Demand Stricter Regulations on OTT Platforms
The controversy has also sparked political debate. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi questioned the government’s selective crackdown on OTT platforms, pointing out that Ullu and Alt Balaji were excluded from the March 2024 ban on 18 OTT apps distributing pornographic content. She demanded accountability from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) to ensure consistent regulation across all streaming services.
Maharashtra BJP MLC Chitra Wagh also called for an immediate ban on House Arrest, urging authorities to stop the “free rein to obscenity in the name of freedom of expression.”
The Bigger Picture: OTT Content Regulation in India
The House Arrest controversy spotlights the ongoing challenges India faces in regulating OTT content. While OTT platforms have revolutionized entertainment, offering diverse and bold storytelling, they also raise questions about ethical boundaries, consent, and cultural sensitivities.
The government’s earlier ban on 18 apps in March 2024 was a step towards curbing explicit content, but the exclusion of platforms like Ullu has led to calls for more comprehensive and uniform policies.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for OTT Platforms and Regulators
Ullu’s removal of House Arrest following public and legal pressure is a clear message that audiences and authorities are no longer willing to tolerate content that exploits participants or violates societal norms. This incident serves as a crucial reminder for OTT platforms to prioritize responsible content creation, respect for consent, and adherence to Indian laws and cultural values.
As the NCW hearing approaches and legal proceedings unfold, the industry will be watching closely to see how this case shapes the future of reality shows and digital content regulation in India.