Should actor Ajaz Khan face charges for obscenity in his OTT show?
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Synopsis
Mumbai Police have charged actor Ajaz Khan with indecent representation of women over allegations of vulgar content in his OTT show 'House Arrest'. The case has attracted significant attention, leading to the show's removal from the Ullu platform, and calls for stricter regulations on media content.
Key Takeaways
- Ajaz Khan faces serious charges related to the portrayal of women in media.
- Legal implications could result in imprisonment and fines for Khan and others involved.
- The show 'House Arrest' has been removed from the Ullu platform.
- The incident has sparked discussions on media responsibility and content regulation.
- The NCW is actively engaging in the issue, indicating its importance.
New Delhi, May 3 (NationPress) Mumbai Police have filed charges against actor Ajaz Khan for indecent representation of women following a complaint by Bajrang Dal regarding the allegedly vulgar content in his OTT series ‘House Arrest’, an official reported on Saturday.
If these charges are substantiated, they may result in a prison sentence of up to three years.
Khan, along with the other producers of the show—which has since been removed from the Ullu OTT platform—faces charges under Section 67 of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, pertaining to the punishment for the publication or transmission of obscene material in electronic format.
The FIR filed at Amboli Police Station details charges against Khan and others for publishing, transmitting, or facilitating the publication or transmission of any material that is lascivious, appeals to prurient interest, or aims to deprave and corrupt individuals.
A first conviction under this law can lead to imprisonment for up to three years and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh, while subsequent convictions face more severe penalties of up to five years in prison and fines up to Rs 10 lakh.
Khan is also charged under Section 296 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which addresses obscene acts and songs, punishable by up to three months.
This legal provision forbids performing obscene acts or uttering inappropriate words or songs in public spaces intended to annoy others, as stated by officials.
The FIR against Khan and the officials of the OTT platform also invokes Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, which forbids the production, sale, distribution, or mailing of any material that contains an indecent representation of women, carrying a maximum penalty of three years.
Mumbai Police are also ensuring that the decision-makers of the OTT platform face appropriate consequences. The FIR has referenced Section 7 of the IRWA, which states that if an offense under this Act is committed by a company, every individual responsible for the company's operations at the time of the offense will be held accountable.
On Friday, the National Commission for Women (NCW) summoned Ullu OTT platform’s CEO Vibhu Agarwal and Khan for a meeting on May 9 regarding the alleged obscene content.
After facing significant backlash for the inappropriate content and concerns raised by a women’s group, the OTT platform opted to remove the show.
Maharashtra BJP Mahila Morcha President Chitra Wagh has called for a ban on the reality series, labeling it as “nothing but the epitome of vulgarity.”
Point of View
It is essential to adopt a balanced perspective on the ongoing controversy surrounding Ajaz Khan and his OTT show. While it is vital to uphold artistic expression, it is equally crucial to ensure that content does not promote indecency or harm societal values. The legal actions taken by the Mumbai Police reflect a growing sensitivity towards media content and the responsibilities of creators.
NationPress
07/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges has Ajaz Khan faced?
Ajaz Khan has been charged with indecent representation of women and other related offenses under the IT Act and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act.
What is the potential penalty for the charges?
If convicted, Khan could face imprisonment of up to three years and significant fines, depending on the number of offenses committed.
Why was the show 'House Arrest' removed?
The show was taken down following significant backlash and complaints regarding its allegedly vulgar content.
Who else is implicated in the FIR?
The FIR also implicates the officials of the Ullu OTT platform, highlighting accountability among content creators.
What actions are being taken by the National Commission for Women?
The NCW has summoned Ullu's CEO and Ajaz Khan for discussions on the matter, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations.
