Centre Bans MoodXVIP, Jugnu and 3 Other OTT Platforms for Streaming Obscene Content
Government Cites IT Rules, 2021 and IT Act Violations
Crackdown Highlights Need for Digital Content Regulation
By Legal Reporter
New Delhi: February 25, 2026:
In a decisive move against online obscenity, the Government of India has banned five OTT platforms—MoodXVIP, Jugnu, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, and Feel—for allegedly streaming obscene and pornographic content. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) directed internet service providers to block public access to these platforms after finding them in violation of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (IT Rules, 2021).
Also Read: Allahabad High Court: ‘No Conversion, No Crime’ – Police Protection Granted to 12 Interfaith Couples
Officials confirmed that the platforms were hosting material that breached legal standards of public decency, morality, and safety. The decision followed consultations with multiple ministries, including Home Affairs, Women and Child Development, Electronics and IT, and Law and Justice.
Background of the Crackdown
- The OTT platforms reportedly streamed explicit content with little or no thematic or social context, focusing solely on obscenity.
- Authorities noted that such content was harmful to public decency and could negatively impact vulnerable groups, especially women and children.
- The government has already blocked over 25 OTT platforms in 2025 for similar violations, signalling a sustained crackdown on unregulated digital content.
[Legal Note]
📘 If you want practical guidance on drafting wills, codicils, and probate procedures, Will Writing Simplified is an invaluable resource.
🔹 Buy Will Writing Simplified online: Amazon | Flipkart
Also Read: The Great Biryani Audit: How Hyderabad’s Restaurant Raids Exposed a ₹70,000 Crore Tax Scam
Relevant Laws and Guidelines
1. Information Technology Act, 2000
- Section 67: Punishes publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form.
- Section 67A: Specifically penalizes sexually explicit content.
- Section 69A: Empowers the government to block public access to information for reasons including public order, decency, and morality.
2. IT Rules, 2021 (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code)
- Rule 3(1)(b): Requires intermediaries (including OTT platforms) not to host or publish content that is obscene, pornographic, or harmful to minors.
- Code of Ethics: Mandates age-appropriate classification, parental controls, and grievance redressal mechanisms.
- Due Diligence: Platforms must appoint compliance officers and follow procedures to remove unlawful content.
How These OTT Platforms Violated the Laws
- Streaming Obscene Content: Platforms hosted sexually explicit material without any thematic or artistic justification, violating Sections 67 and 67A of the IT Act.
- Failure to Classify Content: They did not follow age-based classification or parental control mechanisms required under IT Rules, 2021.
- No Grievance Redressal: Platforms lacked proper compliance officers or mechanisms to address user complaints.
- Public Decency Concerns: Authorities found the content harmful to women and children, breaching ethical standards.
Government’s Action
- The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting directed ISPs to block access to the platforms under Section 69A of the IT Act.
- The ban was imposed after due procedure, including consultations with multiple ministries and experts on women and child rights.
- Industry bodies like FICCI and CII were also consulted to ensure the crackdown aligned with broader digital policy objectives.
Implications of the Ban
- For OTT Platforms: Reinforces the need for compliance with IT Rules, 2021. Platforms must adopt stricter content moderation and ethical standards.
- For Viewers: Protects vulnerable audiences from harmful and obscene content.
- For Industry: Signals that the government will not tolerate unregulated digital content, pushing platforms towards self-regulation and accountability.
- For Policy: Highlights the balance between freedom of expression and public decency in India’s digital ecosystem.
Also Read: Orissa High Court Quashes Order Allowing 50 Police Officers to File Property Declarations Late
Expert Opinions
Legal experts argue that while freedom of expression is protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, it is subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2), including decency and morality. The ban demonstrates the government’s intent to enforce these restrictions in the digital space.
Media analysts note that the crackdown could encourage OTT platforms to adopt stricter compliance mechanisms, like traditional broadcasters.
Timeline of Events
- 2025: Over 25 OTT platforms banned for obscene content.
- Feb 2026: Government bans MoodXVIP, Jugnu, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, and Feel.
- Feb 2026: ISPs directed to block access under IT Rules, 2021 and IT Act provisions.
Conclusion
The Centre’s ban on five OTT platforms marks a turning point in India’s regulation of digital content. By invoking the IT Act and IT Rules, 2021, the government has reinforced its commitment to safeguarding public decency and protecting vulnerable audiences.
The ruling sends a clear message: OTT platforms must comply with ethical and legal standards or face strict action. As India’s digital ecosystem grows, balancing creative freedom with responsibility will remain a critical challenge.
Also Read: BCI Issues Detailed Guidelines for AIBE XXI: Rules Every Candidate Must Know
GEO Keywords for Faster Searches
- Centre bans MoodXVIP Jugnu OTT platforms
- OTT obscene content ban India
- IT Rules 2021 OTT violations
- Section 67 IT Act obscene content
- OTT regulation India Supreme Court
- Ministry of Information and Broadcasting OTT crackdown
- OTT platforms blocked India 2026
Also Read: India–France Tax Treaty Amended: Lower Dividend Tax to Boost Trade and Investment