In a decisive and unprecedented move, the Government of India has ordered the blocking of 25 OTT platforms, including ULLU, ALTT (formerly ALTBalaji), Desiflix, and Mojflix, for broadcasting obscene and sexually explicit content. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), citing violations under multiple Indian laws, directed internet service providers to take down access to these platforms. The step marks a strong regulatory stance aimed at ensuring the digital ecosystem remains safe, respectful, and in alignment with Indian cultural and legal norms.
Legal Foundation Behind the Ban
The blocking orders were issued under the following legal provisions:
- Section 67 & 67A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 – dealing with publishing or transmitting obscene material electronically.
- Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 – penalizing obscene acts and songs.
- Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 – protecting women against indecent portrayal in media.
These sections empower the government to act when content is found to be immoral, degrading, or harmful to public decency.
What Triggered the Crackdown?
The Ministry reviewed dozens of web series and short films on the banned platforms and found:
- Prolonged sexually explicit scenes.
- Vulgar dialogues with no social or educational value.
- Themes based on incest, exploitation, or degradation of women.
- Content without plot, moral message, or creative depth.
Many of these platforms were allegedly targeting lower-income and rural youth with provocative thumbnails and mobile-friendly apps, raising concerns about mass moral corrosion.
Full List of Banned Platforms
The 25 banned platforms include:
- ULLU
- ALTT
- Desiflix
- Big Shots App
- Boomex
- Gulab App
- Jalva App
- Navarasa Lite
- Kangan App
- Mojflix
…and 15 others. These platforms were found distributing objectionable content either via mobile apps or through web browsers using low-moderation strategies.
Government Warnings Were Ignored
This crackdown is not a sudden development. Over the past two years, platforms like ULLU and ALTT were warned multiple times:
- September 2023: National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) raised alarm.
- February 2024: The Ministry issued advisories under IT Rules, 2021.
- Early 2025: Content creators used duplicate domains to continue streaming banned content.
Despite warnings, most platforms failed to take corrective action, and some even re-uploaded flagged content after minor edits.
Ekta Kapoor’s Clarification
Following the ban on ALTT, producer Ekta Kapoor released a formal statement distancing herself and her mother Shobha Kapoor from the platform. She clarified that both had stepped down from ALTT’s management in June 2021 and are no longer associated with any content decisions on the app. Kapoor emphasized her commitment to socially responsible content.
Industry Impact and Public Response
The crackdown received mixed reactions. While digital freedom advocates have expressed concern over the scope of censorship, women’s rights activists, child protection groups, and media ethics watchdogs have largely welcomed the ban.
Platforms like Balaji Telefilms, once valued at over ₹1,200 crore due to their OTT arm ALTT, now face reputational and financial setbacks. The incident could set a precedent for more stringent regulation in the digital media space.
Ministry’s Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting worked closely with:
- Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY)
- Ministry of Home Affairs
- Ministry of Legal Affairs
- Child and Women Protection Agencies
- FICCI and CII
This coordination ensured that the bans were not arbitrary but grounded in legal, ethical, and public interest concerns.
What Does This Mean for OTT Regulation in India?
This move could potentially redefine how content is created, streamed, and monitored across Indian OTT platforms. The need for a robust self-regulatory mechanism, compliance with IT Rules 2021, and better content moderation are now top priorities.
Smaller OTT platforms are now under pressure to revise their business models and produce content that aligns with moral and legal expectations of Indian viewers.
A Defining Moment for India’s Digital Content Regulation
The Indian government’s decision to ban 25 OTT platforms marks a significant moment in the country’s digital media journey. By holding platforms accountable for obscene and harmful content, India reinforces its commitment to decency, legality, and cultural values. With this move, authorities have made it clear that digital platforms must not become havens for immorality. Content should inspire, educate, or entertain within the boundaries of social and legal decorum. The future of Indian OTT now depends on responsible creativity, transparent regulation, and spiritual awareness.
Spiritual Perspective: every individual needs the Guidance of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji
As society grapples with declining moral standards, Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji teaches that entertainment must uplift, not degrade, human values. Spiritual wisdom emphasizes purity of thought and action. Consuming vulgar or immoral media distances individuals from peace, purpose, and divine connection. According to Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, true knowledge enlightens and liberates. In these times, content creators and consumers alike must turn towards positive transformation.
🌐 To learn more about how spirituality can purify modern life, visit: www.jagatgururampalji.org
FAQs about the Indian government banning OTT platforms
Q1. Why did the Indian government ban these OTT platforms?
They were found violating laws by streaming obscene and pornographic content with no social value.
Q2. Which laws were violated by the platforms?
Sections 67 & 67A of the IT Act, Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the Indecent Representation of Women Act.
Q3. Were the platforms warned before the ban?
Yes. They received multiple warnings from 2023 to early 2025 but failed to comply.
Q4. Is ALTT still owned by Ekta Kapoor?
No. She and her mother stepped down from ALTT in June 2021 and have no role in its current operations.
Q5. What is the spiritual solution suggested by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj?
He advises turning away from vulgar content and embracing spiritual knowledge to uplift the soul and society.
