Overview
- Satluj, a film about human-rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra directed by Honey Trehan, premiered on ZEE5 on July 3 and was removed from the platform within 48 hours after a government review.
- Officials and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting told ZEE5 the film had not completed certification by the Central Board of Film Certification, and a government review flagged national-security and public-order concerns that led to the takedown.
- Filmmakers say the CBFC previously sought 127 cuts when the film was titled Punjab ’95 and allege procedural problems including claims the CBFC chair did not personally view the film before objections were raised.
- Community groups and gurdwaras organised private screenings across several states and a public interest litigation in the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeks restoration of the film and disclosure of the reasons for its removal.
- The Centre is considering legal action against ZEE5 for streaming an uncertified film and is examining proposals to amend the IT Rules to require CBFC pre-certification for films released on OTT platforms, though no formal change or penalty has been announced yet.