A government-appointed committee has recommended that the ban on the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer film 'Satluj' should remain in place, citing concerns over India's sovereignty and national security. The Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC), established under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, reviewed the film following its removal from the streaming platform ZEE5 earlier this month.
The film, directed by Honey Trehan, chronicles the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated the disappearance of hundreds of individuals in Punjab during the militancy years of the 1990s. After facing years of certification disputes with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which had reportedly requested extensive cuts, the film was released on ZEE5 on July 3. It was pulled from the platform in India just two days later.
Sources familiar with the matter indicated that the IDC concluded the film provides "fodder to hostile elements" and poses a threat to the security of the state. The committee has reportedly advised the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to maintain the block on public access to the content within India. Furthermore, the panel has recommended that the streaming platform and the film's producers take active measures to identify and remove any pirated versions of the movie circulating online.
The decision has reignited discussions regarding the regulatory framework for streaming services in India. While theatrical releases are governed by the Cinematograph Act, OTT platforms operate under the IT Rules, 2021, which allow the government to block content deemed harmful to public order or national security under Section 69A of the IT Act. The government's move remains a subject of intense debate, with stakeholders awaiting further official directives on the film's future availability.