NCW takes suo moto cognizance of ‘House Arrest’ web show, warns platforms to be ‘careful’ about women’s dignity

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo moto cognizance of disturbing video clips from Ullu App’s latest web series House Arrest, in which female participants appear to be coerced into performing sexually explicit acts on camera. The Commission has condemned the show for promoting what it calls “sexual coercion under the guise of entertainment.”

In a clip dated April 29, 2025, now widely shared on social media, host Ajaz Khan is seen pressuring contestants to act out intimate scenes and undress, despite their visible discomfort and refusal. The NCW said it found the content to be “deeply disturbing” and a blatant violation of women’s consent and dignity.

“This kind of vulgar and exploitative content cannot be allowed to pass as entertainment,” said NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar. “All digital platforms must be careful not to cross ethical boundaries or trivialize the trauma of coercion.”

The Commission noted that if these allegations are substantiated, the acts could attract serious penal action under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and the Information Technology Act, 2000. It has issued summons to Ullu App CEO Vibhu Agarwal and host Ajaz Khan, asking them to appear before the Commission on May 9.

Reiterating the need for accountability in digital content creation, Rahatkar added, “Content creators and platform heads must be careful not to normalize misogyny or undermine the principles of consent. Media that objectifies or pressures women into compromising situations will face consequences.”

This is not the first time the NCW has stepped in. The Commission had earlier called out influencer Ranveer Allahbadia for content deemed disrespectful to women. Now, it is urging all OTT platforms and content creators to uphold decency and legality in the digital space.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra State Women’s Commission has also taken action. Chairperson Rupali Chakankar has written to the state Director General of Police, demanding an immediate ban on House Arrest and legal action under multiple laws including the IPC and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act.

“The content is highly derogatory and exploits women. Such shows must be banned, and those responsible must face consequences,” Chakankar said.

The NCW concluded its statement by affirming it will remain vigilant against any form of digital exploitation of women, stressing, “Being careful is not a choice, it is a responsibility.”