New Delhi: A committee constituted by the Centre to examine the content of Diljit Dosanjh-starrer ‘Satluj’ has reportedly recommended that the film should continue to remain unavailable on online streaming platforms in India, citing concerns related to the country’s sovereignty and integrity, according to government sources.

The recommendation comes days after the film was removed from ZEE5 for Indian viewers following action by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under provisions of the Information Technology Act.

Film removed days after OTT release

Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj portrays the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated the alleged cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994.

Khalra was abducted and murdered in 1995, and his work remains one of the most debated chapters in Punjab’s recent history.

The film premiered on ZEE5 on July 3 but was withdrawn for viewers in India two days later after the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting cited security concerns.

Following the takedown, the ministry constituted an Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, to examine the film and recommend further action.

Panel reportedly supports continuation of ban

According to government sources, the committee concluded that the blocking order issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act was justified.

The panel is learnt to have recommended that the restriction on public access to the film through online streaming platforms should continue.

Section 69A empowers the Central Government to block online content in the interest of India’s sovereignty and integrity, defence, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign countries and public order.

The recommendation is expected to guide the ministry’s future decision regarding the film’s availability in India.

Committee raises concerns over narrative

Sources familiar with the committee’s findings said members felt the film presented an imbalanced narrative of Punjab’s militancy period.

According to the sources, the panel observed that the film allegedly downplayed the actions of militants while placing greater emphasis on alleged excesses committed by security forces during the insurgency years.

These concerns reportedly formed an important basis for recommending the continuation of the restriction.

No official report of the committee has been released publicly so far.

Multi-ministry panel examined the film

The Inter-Departmental Committee comprised representatives from several ministries, including:

  • Information and Broadcasting
  • Home Affairs
  • Electronics and Information Technology
  • Defence
  • External Affairs
  • Women and Child Development
  • Law and Justice

The committee was tasked with evaluating whether the content complied with the legal framework governing digital media platforms in India.

Unlike theatrical releases, content streamed on OTT platforms does not come under the certification process of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

Instead, Part III of the Information Technology Rules, 2021, provides the mechanism through which the government can invoke Section 69A to block online content under specified circumstances.

Issue sparks political debate in Punjab

The decision to remove Satluj from streaming platforms has triggered political reactions in Punjab.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has demanded that the restriction be withdrawn, arguing that audiences should be allowed to watch the film.

Meanwhile, the Shiromani Akali Dal has announced plans to organise public screenings of the film across Punjab in protest against the ban.

The developments have added a political dimension to the controversy surrounding the film’s portrayal of Punjab’s militancy era and its historical events.

Final decision awaited

Although the committee has reportedly submitted its recommendations, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is yet to make a formal public announcement regarding the final status of the film.

For now, Satluj remains unavailable for viewers in India through online streaming platforms.

The controversy highlights the continuing debate over artistic freedom, historical interpretation and the government’s powers to regulate digital content in matters concerning national security and public order.