Centre Sets Up Review Panel to Examine Diljit Dosanjh’s ‘Satluj’ After OTT Removal

New Delhi: A day after directing streaming platform Zee5 to remove Satluj from its library, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has constituted a high-level Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) to review the film’s content and determine the next course of action.

Sources familiar with the development said the takedown order was issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, along with provisions of Part III of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. These legal provisions empower the Centre to block or restrict access to online content on grounds such as national security, public order, and the sovereignty and integrity of the country.

A senior government official, requesting anonymity, said the newly formed committee has been established under Rule 14 of the IT Rules, 2021. The panel is tasked with examining complaints related to digital content and submitting its recommendations to the government after reviewing the matter.

Starring actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh, Satluj is based on the life of Punjab human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who disappeared in 1995 after allegedly exposing cases of illegal cremations in the state. The film was originally developed under the title Punjab ’95 and was submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in 2022.

At the time, the CBFC reportedly suggested 127 edits before granting certification. The filmmakers declined to implement the proposed changes, leaving the project without a theatrical release. The uncut version eventually premiered on Zee5 on Friday but was withdrawn from the platform within days.

Officials indicated that the Centre’s communication to the streaming service followed the release of the uncensored version. However, the exact reasons behind the government’s decision have not been publicly detailed.

CBFC Chairperson Shashi Shekar clarified that the certification board had no role in the film’s removal from the OTT platform, noting that streaming services are outside the board’s regulatory jurisdiction.

The ministry and the filmmakers had not issued official responses at the time of publication.

The removal of the film has also sparked political reactions as well.

Speaking during an Instagram Live session, Diljit Dosanjh said he had expected the film to face restrictions, describing the development as "inevitable."

The IDC’s findings are expected to play a key role in determining whether the government upholds the removal or takes further action regarding the film’s availability on digital platforms.