The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of a contentious video clip circulating online from the reality show ‘House Arrest,’ prompting them to summon actor and host Ajaz Khan and the CEO of the over-the-top (OTT) platform Ullu, Vibhu Agarwal. The viral clip allegedly depicts the host coercing female participants into enacting explicit sexual positions on camera, disregarding their apparent discomfort and reluctance.
The NCW, led by Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, has expressed grave concern over the show’s content, labeling it as “deeply disturbing” and a blatant violation of women’s dignity. The commission emphasized that such content blurs the lines between entertainment and abuse, potentially promoting sexual coercion under the guise of reality programming.
“Any media content that promotes misogyny, coerces women into compromising situations, or disregards ethical boundaries will not be tolerated,” 1 stated Rahatkar. The NCW has demanded the personal appearance of both Ajaz Khan and Vibhu Agarwal before the commission on May 9, 2025, to provide an explanation regarding the objectionable content.
The controversy erupted after a short video from the show, reportedly dated April 29, went viral across social media platforms. The clip allegedly shows Ajaz Khan pressuring female contestants to perform intimate and inappropriate acts for the camera, despite their visible hesitation and refusal. Furthermore, allegations have surfaced suggesting that the women were also asked to undress on set, raising serious questions about consent, safety, and the potential exploitation of individuals within the digital entertainment industry.
Following the widespread outrage, Ullu has reportedly removed all episodes of ‘House Arrest’ from its platform. However, the repercussions continue to mount. Legal experts suggest that if the allegations are substantiated, the involved parties could face penal provisions under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Several political figures have also voiced their concerns. Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena UBT) shared the viral clip and criticized the lack of action against platforms like Ullu and Alt Balaji, which she claims have previously evaded bans despite featuring obscene content. She questioned why these platforms were excluded from a list of 18 OTT apps blocked by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in March 2024 for streaming explicit material.
The NCW has urged all digital media platforms to act responsibly and ensure that their content adheres to legal guidelines and does not exploit women in the name of entertainment. The commission’s swift action underscores the growing concern over the regulation of content on OTT platforms and the need to safeguard the dignity and safety of individuals involved in their productions. The summons issued to Ajaz Khan and the Ullu CEO signifies a firm stance against the dissemination of coercive and vulgar content in the digital spa