In a surprising move, authorities in the Indian state of Karnataka have abruptly shut down the popular reality show “Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12” and sealed the studio where it was being filmed.
According to Indian media reports, Karnataka government officials on Tuesday night sealed the premises of Jalliwood Studios and Adventures, located on the outskirts of Bengaluru, halting all shooting activities for the show.
The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) stated that the studio management had been violating environmental regulations and continuing operations without the necessary permits. As a result, the board issued immediate orders to shut down the facility.
Officials noted that despite multiple warnings and notices, the studio failed to comply with environmental guidelines, making enforcement action inevitable.
All participants of “Bigg Boss Kannada” were instructed to vacate the house immediately and were escorted out under security supervision. The show, hosted by renowned Kannada actor Kiccha Sudeep, had only recently begun airing. The set, built at an estimated cost of ₹5 crore, has now been completely sealed.
Following the shutdown, over 700 individuals, including technical and production staff, reportedly returned home.
Reacting to the development, the Minister for Forests said that the studio was officially served a notice in March 2024 but continued operations despite violations. He confirmed that the studio lacked mandatory approvals under the Water and Air Acts and had ignored repeated inspections and directives.
The minister added that these violations were in clear breach of Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders. He asserted that no one is above the law and action will be taken in accordance with legal procedures, though the studio’s management has the right to appeal the decision in court.
