Porn Content Ban Hits Ullu, ALTT, Hulchul
• OTT Platforms Face Censorship Heat
• NCW, I&B Ministry Tighten OTT Oversight
• Vulgarity vs. Freedom: OTT in Crisis
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
Contact: +91 9322755098
The Indian government has banned 25 OTT platforms, including Ullu, ALTT, and Hulchul, for streaming pornographic content. Ullu’s show ‘House Arrest’, hosted by Ajaz Khan, sparked public outrage and regulatory action. Despite warnings and interventions, platforms continued violating content norms. Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) highlights the failure of self-regulation and calls for stricter digital content governance.
Government Cracks Down on Obscene OTT Content – Ullu, ALTT & Hulchul.
In a major regulatory move, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has banned 25 OTT platforms, including Ullu, ALTT, and Hulchul, for hosting content classified as “pornographic in nature.” The action follows repeated violations of broadcasting norms, despite multiple warnings issued over the past year.
Officials cited Ullu’s controversial reality show ‘House Arrest’, hosted by actor Ajaz Khan, as a key example. The show was removed in May 2025 after ministry intervention, but authorities observed that platforms continued to publish explicit and sexually exploitative content.
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‘House Arrest’ Sparked Nationwide Outrage
‘House Arrest’ gained notoriety for its explicit challenges and objectionable scenes. In one episode, host Ajaz Khan asked a female contestant about sex positions and later directed two others to enact them on camera. In another clip that went viral on social media, female participants were seen removing undergarments on live camera as part of a so-called “challenge.”
This triggered backlash across digital platforms. A user on X (formerly Twitter) directly tagged Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, demanding an immediate ban:
“HOUSE ARREST. OTT: ULLU. This show is not only disgusting but beyond the definition of vulgar… Please ban this show asap.”
Following public pressure, the National Commission for Women (NCW) summoned both Ullu founder Vibhu Agarwal and host Ajaz Khan for questioning. The Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) has learned that regulatory agencies have since maintained close watch on such content creators, citing violations of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
Self-Regulatory Mechanisms Failed to Curb Content Violations
Despite being a member of the Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council (DPCGC)—a self-regulatory body led by a former Supreme Court judge—Ullu repeatedly flouted guidelines. A DPCGC insider confirmed that over 100 web series were earlier flagged for removal or modification, but Ullu either removed content temporarily or re-uploaded unedited versions later.
“This is a clear attempt to circumvent regulatory warnings,” said an official familiar with the matter. “The intent to profit from controversial or explicit material is apparent, even after repeated directives.”
Other banned platforms, such as Hulchul and ALTT, also failed to adhere to advisory notices sent by the ministry in September 2024, which had clearly warned OTT providers to ensure content compliance under Indian law.
Broader Policy Implications for OTT Industry
The sweeping ban on 25 OTT platforms signals a policy shift in the Indian government’s approach toward digital content regulation. The action is likely to impact smaller platforms that rely on sensational content to gain traction in a competitive market dominated by giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar.
As per information accessed by the Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT), the government may soon introduce new certification frameworks and consider mandatory registration of OTT platforms with a central authority, akin to traditional broadcasters.
Industry observers believe that this crackdown, while necessary to protect public decency, also raises questions about freedom of creative expression, and the blurred line between bold content and obscenity.
Sprouts SIT Calls for Ethical Content Standards
The Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) urges policymakers to strike a balance between regulation and artistic freedom. While protecting societal norms and vulnerable viewers is essential, clarity in digital content laws is equally crucial to prevent overreach or arbitrary censorship.
The latest crackdown is not just a warning to rogue OTT platforms, but a wake-up call for the digital media industry to adopt transparent, ethical, and legally compliant content standards.
Controversies Surrounding Ullu App and Vibhu Agarwal
1. ‘House Arrest’ Reality Show Scandal (2025)
The Ullu-hosted show House Arrest, featuring actor Ajaz Khan, drew massive public criticism for obscene content. Contestants were asked vulgar questions and made to perform sexually explicit acts on camera. The show went viral for all the wrong reasons, leading to intervention by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and summoning by the National Commission for Women (NCW). Vibhu Agarwal, as founder, was held accountable.
2. Repeated Violations of DPCGC Guidelines
Ullu is a member of the Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council (DPCGC), led by a retired Supreme Court judge. However, it has repeatedly violated content guidelines, with over 100 web series flagged for obscenity. Ullu was accused of removing content temporarily and then re-uploading unedited versions, clearly circumventing regulatory orders.
3. Accusations of Promoting Pornographic Content
Multiple shows on the Ullu platform have been flagged for borderline pornographic and exploitative themes, including Charmsukh, Palang Tod, and Halala. Critics allege that the platform monetized soft-porn content under the guise of bold storytelling. This eventually led to India’s OTT ban on Ullu and 24 other platforms in July 2025.
4. Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Vibhu Agarwal (2022)
In a major scandal in 2022, Ullu CEO Vibhu Agarwal was booked for sexual harassment by a former female employee. The FIR alleged mental harassment, inappropriate behavior, and misuse of power. The case gained media traction but eventually fizzled without legal closure, raising questions on corporate accountability.
5. NCW Summons & Public Backlash
After the House Arrest controversy, the National Commission for Women (NCW) summoned Vibhu Agarwal for promoting misogynistic and degrading content towards women. Several women’s rights groups called for a complete ban on Ullu for what they termed as “digital objectification of women.”
Also Read: Extortion Case File Vanishes, Then Reappears in Nashik Court.
Related Article: Ullu’s Web Series “House Arrest” Sparks Calls for OTT Censorship for Vulgarity.
6. Inconsistent Content Policy and Public Deception
Ullu claimed to support “bold storytelling with social relevance,” but most of its content leaned heavily into gratuitous sexual scenes, often without context. The Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) has observed a pattern of deceptive branding and editorial manipulation to bypass regulatory frameworks.
7. Promotion of Low-Quality, Sensational Content
Many film critics and OTT watchdogs accused Ullu of contributing to the decline in OTT content quality, focusing on quick monetization through vulgarity instead of creativity or storytelling. Shows with titles like Charmsukh, Blackmail, Size Matters, and Jane Anjane Mein have been described as soft-core clickbait rather than legitimate cinema.
