New Delhi, May 2 (H.S.): The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken cognizance of extremely distressing media reports and viral video content related to the latest web show House Arrest on the Ullu app. Taking the matter extremely seriously, the NCW has issued a notice for Ullu app’s CEO Vibhu Agarwal and host Ajaz Khan to appear before the Commission on May 9.

The Commission reported on Friday that a short clip of the show went viral on April 29, in which host Ajaz Khan can be seen forcing female participants to enact private, intimate situations on camera. Despite their discomfort and clear refusal, they appeared to comply. Allegedly, the contestants were asked to strip further and perform obscene actions on screen. Such obscene content not only violates the dignity of women but also sets an extremely regressive and harmful precedent for online entertainment.

The Commission believes that if the nature of these acts is found to be true, it would constitute an offense under serious punitive provisions of the Indian Penal Code-2023 and the Information Technology Act-2000. The Commission noted that it had previously taken a tough stance in a case involving content creator Ranveer Allahbadia. It emphasized that media personalities should be held accountable for content that demeans the dignity of women.

NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar stated that any media content that promotes animosity towards women, coerces women into compromising situations, or disregards moral boundaries, will not be tolerated. The NCW urges all media and digital platforms to fulfill their social responsibility and ensure that their content is in accordance with the law, decency, and respect for women.

The Commission will remain vigilant and will take strict action wherever the dignity of women is compromised in the name of content creation or digital entertainment.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar