In a growing controversy surrounding the OTT platform ULLU, a video clip from the reality show House Arrest, hosted by former Bigg Boss contestant Ajaz Khan, has ignited a firestorm of criticism across social media and prompted calls for regulatory action from political figures. The clip features Khan encouraging contestants to demonstrate various Kama Sutra sex positions, a moment that has left many viewers outraged and demanding immediate action against the show's explicit content.
On May 1, 2025, Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi voiced her concerns on X (formerly Twitter), questioning why platforms like ULLU and Alt Balaji were not included in last year’s crackdown by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B). She noted that despite raising the issue multiple times, no concrete action has been taken against these platforms, which she claims continue to broadcast inappropriate content.
“I have raised this in the Standing Committee that apps like ULLU and Alt Balaji have evaded the ban imposed by the I&B ministry on obscene content. I am still awaiting their response,” Chaturvedi stated, highlighting the inconsistency in the government’s approach to regulating digital content.
The I&B Ministry had previously blocked 18 OTT platforms on March 14, 2024, for streaming vulgar or pornographic material. However, Chaturvedi criticized this selective ban, arguing that major platforms like ULLU and Alt Balaji were inexplicably spared. “The government must explain why they were spared,” she asserted.
Alongside Chaturvedi, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey also reacted strongly to the video, assuring that the parliamentary committee would take necessary steps to halt such broadcasts. Posting in Hindi, he stated, “This cannot be allowed. Our committee will act.” His comments reflect a broader concern among lawmakers about the impact of explicit content on young viewers.
Barun Raj Singh, head of the BJP’s youth wing in Bihar, echoed similar sentiments, urging the Centre to intervene. He emphasized the need to protect young viewers from inappropriate exposure, stating that such reality shows, which openly discuss sexual acts, are not suitable for public viewing.
The controversy around House Arrest gained traction just days after the Supreme Court issued notices to several OTT and social media platforms regarding a public interest litigation (PIL) that seeks to regulate obscene content online. The court’s bench, led by Justices B R Gavai and A G Masih, has directed companies like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Alt Balaji, ULLU, and social media platforms to respond to the PIL.
In the now-viral clip, Khan can be seen urging contestants to act out various sexual positions, which many viewers have described as degrading and beyond vulgar. One social media user criticized the show, stating, “As the girls take off their underwear, the host of the show and the rest of the people boo and clap.” Such reactions underscore the public's growing concern about the normalization of explicit content in mainstream media.
Legal complaints have also been filed demanding a ban on House Arrest. Advocate Vineet Jindal confirmed that a complaint has been submitted to both the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the Delhi Police, arguing that the content is highly objectionable and offensive, violating Indian cultural and legal standards. “Such irresponsible and vulgar content must not be allowed to circulate unchecked,” Jindal stated, calling for strict action against everyone involved in the production of the show.
Despite the outrage, Ajaz Khan has remained silent, failing to address the growing backlash against his show. This silence has not deterred netizens, who continue to express their discontent and demand accountability from both the creators of House Arrest and the I&B Ministry.
The backlash has intensified, with calls to ban the show trending across social media platforms. Many users have pointed out that the content aired on House Arrest is not only inappropriate but also reflects a troubling trend in digital content regulation in India.
Critics are questioning the responsibility of digital platforms in curbing explicit content, especially in light of the Supreme Court’s recent remarks about the need for social responsibility among OTT platforms. The court has emphasized that content on these platforms can go to the “extent of perversity,” further highlighting the urgency for regulatory measures.
As the debate over digital content regulation continues, the future of House Arrest hangs in the balance. With political leaders calling for action and legal complaints being filed, it remains to be seen whether the government will take decisive steps to address the concerns surrounding explicit content on OTT platforms. The incident has reignited discussions about the need for stricter oversight and the role of cultural standards in shaping the media landscape in India.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Ajaz Khan's House Arrest serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by unregulated digital content. As public outcry grows, the demand for accountability from both creators and regulators has never been more pressing.
