#UlluAppControversy | Action Taken: Ullu Removes Ajaz Khan-Hosted ‘House Arrest’ After NCW Notice and FIR

#UlluAppControversy | Action Taken: Ullu Removes Ajaz Khan-Hosted ‘House Arrest’ After NCW Notice and FIR

May 2, 2025 | New Delhi

The streaming platform Ullu has come under intense fire after its latest reality show, House Arrest, hosted by controversial actor and former Bigg Boss contestant Ajaz Khan, was accused of promoting obscene content and coercing female participants into intimate acts. In a swift response to growing public outrage and institutional backlash, Ullu has officially taken the show off its platform.

The controversy erupted after a short video clip from the show, dated April 29, 2025, surfaced on social media, allegedly showing Ajaz Khan coercing female contestants to perform sexually suggestive acts on camera. The clip quickly went viral, sparking outrage across the country, with netizens, activists, and political figures decrying the content as exploitative and degrading.

Responding to the uproar, the National Commission for Women (NCW) issued formal notices to Ullu CEO Vibhu Agarwal and Ajaz Khan, summoning them to appear before the Commission on May 9, 2025. The NCW took suo motu cognisance of the matter after receiving multiple complaints alleging that the show violated the dignity of women and promoted sexual exploitation under the guise of entertainment.

In a strongly worded statement, NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma said, “Such content, if allowed unchecked, sets a dangerous precedent in the name of reality television. Women cannot be treated as commodities for TRP gains. We are committed to ensuring accountability.”

Further intensifying the situation, Delhi-based advocate Vineet Jindal filed an FIR against Ajaz Khan for allegedly coercing women into performing objectionable acts on screen. Jindal has also submitted a formal complaint to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, urging immediate action against the makers of the show and demanding strict content regulation for OTT platforms like Ullu.

“The content in House Arrest goes far beyond creative liberty and lands squarely in the realm of vulgarity and psychological coercion. It not only violates moral standards but could also be seen as criminal under IPC sections related to obscenity and exploitation,” said Advocate Jindal in his complaint.

The show had been heavily promoted on Ullu’s platform as a “bold and unfiltered reality experience,” featuring young participants living in a controlled environment, engaging in tasks and challenges with a “no boundaries” theme. But the April 29 episode crossed a line, critics argue, showing Ajaz Khan pushing female participants to simulate intimate positions under the pretext of task completion.

Social media has erupted with condemnation. Hashtags like #BanUlluApp, #HouseArrestExposed, and #AjazKhanControversy have been trending on X (formerly Twitter), with thousands of users demanding that stronger content filters be applied to OTT platforms. Several women’s rights organisations have also planned protests outside the I&B Ministry’s office in Delhi in the coming week.

In a damage control move, Ullu released a brief statement on May 1, saying, “We have decided to take down the show House Arrest with immediate effect in response to concerns raised by viewers and institutions. We are conducting an internal review and are cooperating with all regulatory authorities.”

However, critics are not satisfied. “This is not the first time Ullu has pushed the envelope on adult content. There is a pattern of pushing the boundaries and then apologizing only when caught,” said media analyst Ritu Sinha.

Ajaz Khan, on his part, has yet to issue an official statement. However, insiders suggest that his legal team is preparing a response to the NCW summons. A source close to Khan claimed that the scenes in question were scripted and that all participants had signed consent forms before participating.

Legal experts argue that consent in such contexts can be murky, especially if it’s obtained under pressure or without full disclosure. “Just because someone signs a form doesn’t mean there’s informed and willing participation, especially if coercion or manipulation is involved,” said Supreme Court lawyer Priya Mehra.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is reportedly reviewing the content policies of OTT platforms and may consider tightening regulations around reality-based and adult-themed content. A senior ministry official, requesting anonymity, said, “This incident will have ramifications. We are considering amending OTT guidelines to ensure creators cannot exploit participants under the guise of creative liberty.”

As the controversy unfolds, the broader debate around content regulation, freedom of expression, and the ethical responsibility of OTT platforms has resurfaced. The spotlight is now firmly on Ullu, Ajaz Khan, and the regulatory bodies tasked with protecting viewer sensibilities and participant rights.