On July 25, the Indian government banned ALTBalaji along with several other OTT apps for spreading obscene content. But this isn’t the first time Ekta Kapoor’s platform has sparked outrage. Let’s look back at the five biggest controversies that have haunted ALTBalaji.

What Happened?

On July 25, the Centre banned ALTBalaji (now called ALTT) for allegedly streaming inappropriate and obscene content. The ban also included other OTT platforms like ULLU, Desiflix, Big Shots, Navarasa Lite, Boomex, and Gulab App.

In response, Ekta Kapoor posted on Instagram stating that she and her mother Shobha Kapoor had stepped down from ALTT back in June 2021 and have had no involvement since.

Why It Matters

ALTBalaji has long been known for pushing boundaries with bold, adult-themed shows. But over the years, its content has raised serious concerns around nudity, disrespect to armed forces, vulgarity, plagiarism, and even alleged violations under the POCSO Act.

This ban isn’t just about content — it’s a warning signal about the fine line between creative freedom and legal limits in India’s fast-growing OTT space.

5 Biggest Controversies ALTBalaji Faced

1. The Nudity Clause

Back in 2015, reports claimed ALTBalaji included a “nudity clause” in actor contracts. This clause allegedly restricted actors from opting out of intimate scenes or dialogues.

The clause was especially criticized for targeting newcomers. Despite backlash, ALTBalaji continued its erotic series like XXX, drawing more criticism from film boards and moral watchdogs.

2. Insult to the Indian Army in ‘XXX: Uncensored’

The show XXX: Uncensored Season 2 triggered outrage for portraying Indian Army personnel and their families in a disrespectful light. Critics said it misused army uniforms and hurt the sentiments of soldiers’ families.

A police case was filed by YouTuber Hindustani Bhau in 2025. He named Ekta Kapoor, her parents, and ALTBalaji in his complaint, which led to court orders and edited scenes from the show.

3. Cases Over Vulgar and Offensive Content

Several citizen groups have legally challenged ALTBalaji’s web series for spreading vulgarity and corrupting young minds. One such group from Chandigarh, Public Jagriti Mission, filed a court case in 2020 demanding a ban on the platform’s content.

These complaints often focused on excessive nudity, lack of age filters, and the moral impact on viewers — especially children.

4. Plagiarism Allegations

In 2021, filmmaker Sudhanshu Saria accused ALTBalaji of copying the poster of his film Loev for the series His Storyy. He also pointed out the title’s similarity with a Korean show.

Although ALTBalaji apologized, Saria claimed the response felt insincere. Soon after, more users on social media pointed out multiple poster designs that looked similar to international shows.

5. POCSO Act Case Over ‘Gandii Baat’

Perhaps the most serious allegation came under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. A Mumbai teacher accused Gandii Baat Season 6 of showing inappropriate scenes involving underage girls.

Mumbai Police interrogated both Ekta and Shobha Kapoor in October 2024 and demanded actor details and production records. While ALTBalaji denied using minors, the investigation is still ongoing.

What You Should Know

• ALTBalaji has faced legal trouble multiple times, yet continued its bold content strategy until the government stepped in.
• The ban is part of a larger crackdown by the Ministry of Electronics and IT on OTT platforms accused of violating content norms.
• Despite disassociation claims, Ekta Kapoor’s brand remains strongly linked to ALTBalaji in public perception.

FAQs

Q. Is ALTBalaji officially banned in India now?
Yes, the Centre has officially banned the ALTBalaji website and app along with several others for hosting obscene content.

Q. Is Ekta Kapoor still involved with ALTBalaji?
According to her Instagram statement, Ekta Kapoor and her mother stepped down from ALTT in June 2021 and have no current association.

Q. Why are OTT platforms being banned in India?
Platforms are being banned for allegedly violating IT rules and broadcasting obscene, vulgar, or sensitive content that could harm public morality or national sentiment.

Q. Was any legal action taken before this ban?
Yes. ALTBalaji has faced several court cases over content-related issues, including vulgarity, insult to the armed forces, and POCSO-related allegations.

Final Takeaway

ALTBalaji’s fall from grace is a lesson in where creative freedom ends and accountability begins. What was once seen as a bold, disruptive OTT platform is now banned for content that many believe crossed ethical and legal lines. As India tightens regulations around digital content, platforms may need to rethink how far they can go for views.