No One Is Above the Law: Karnataka Minister Warns Jollywood Studio Hosting BBK That Ignored Two Notices

Karnataka Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre shared on X that the Jollywood studio hosting Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 has been issued notices by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), warning that "no one is above the law."

The notices were issued to Wells Studios and Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. (Jollywood Studio) in Bidadi, Ramanagara district, after repeated violations of environmental regulations. The KSPCB directed that all activities at the site be immediately stopped.

"No one is above the law. Action is inevitable if environmental laws are violated," Khandre wrote in Kannada.

Officials stated that the studio had ignored two prior notices, prompting stricter enforcement. Key violations included a non-functional Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), improper waste disposal, and generators operating without the required permissions. The studio had been conducting large-scale entertainment and filming operations without the necessary consents under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

On Tuesday, Bengaluru South district authorities, accompanied by police and KSPCB officials, sealed the studio premises. Copies of the closure order were sent to the Deputy Commissioner of Ramanagara, the Managing Director of BESCOM, and other local authorities to ensure compliance. The notice warned that failure to adhere to the order could invite penal action under environmental laws.

The Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 edition, hosted by actor Kichcha Sudeep, has been filmed at this custom-built Bidadi set. Known for its elaborate production and high viewer engagement, the closure of the studio marks a significant disruption for Season 12.