Centre forms interdepartmental panel to examine contents of Satluj after OTT takedown
Officials said the matter is currently being reviewed by an Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC), which examines complaints related to online content and makes recommendations to the Centre.
PTC News Desk: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Monday constituted a high-level interdepartmental committee (IDC) to examine the contents of Diljit Dosanjh starrer 'Satluj', based on the abduction and killing human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. The development follows MIB's direction to take down the movie from OTT platform Zee5.
According to sources, the government's order was issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act and relevant provisions of the IT Rules, 2021. These laws allow the government to direct online platforms to block or remove content for reasons such as national security, public order, and the sovereignty and integrity of India.
Officials said the matter is currently being reviewed by an Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC), which examines complaints related to online content and makes recommendations to the Centre.
The film, originally titled Punjab '95, is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who was abducted in 1995 and never seen again.
The movie was first submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in 2022. At the time, the board, headed by Prasoon Joshi, reportedly suggested 127 cuts. The filmmakers refused to make the changes, and the uncensored version was eventually released on ZEE5 on Friday. However, by Sunday, the platform removed the film from its service in India.
A ministry official indicated that the government may have communicated with the platform shortly after the film's release.
Meanwhile, newly appointed CBFC chairperson Shashi Shekar said the board had no role in the matter, noting that OTT platforms do not fall under the CBFC's jurisdiction.
The issue has sparked political reactions with Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal calling the move an attack on truth, collective memory, and freedom of expression.
AAP leader Baltej Pannu alleged that the BJP and Congress were trying to prevent younger generations from learning about controversial events from Punjab's past.