Overview
- The Honey Trehan film Satluj was released on ZEE5 on July 3 and taken down within 48 hours after officials reviewed its release and instructed the platform to remove the title under IT rules.
- Government sources say Satluj never completed CBFC certification because the board asked for 127 cuts that the makers did not accept and no certificate was issued.
- A Centre-appointed committee cited national security and public‑order concerns in its review and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting formally directed ZEE5 to remove the film.
- The Centre has asked state governments to act against uncertified public screenings, is considering legal action against ZEE5 and organisers, and is examining an amendment to IT Rules to make CBFC pre‑certification mandatory for OTT films.
- Community groups and gurdwaras have organised private screenings and a PIL seeks restoration on ZEE5, while filmmakers allege opaque CBFC procedures and critics warn that any new rule would extend pre‑release censorship to digital platforms and reshape how politically sensitive stories reach audiences.