Satluj Row: Petition Filed In High Court Against ‘Illegal’ Public Screenings Of Diljit Dosanjh Film

Honey Trehan’s Satluj, earlier titled Punjab ’95, continues to remain at the centre of a growing controversy. After being pulled down from ZEE5 in India within days of its release, the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer has reportedly been shown at public screenings in places including Punjab and Jammu. Now, a petition has been moved before the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking action against those organising such screenings.

The film, based on the life and death of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, had released on ZEE5 on July 3 but was removed from the platform by July 5. Since then, its takedown has sparked debate around censorship, due process and the circulation of the film outside authorised streaming channels.

Petition Seeks Action Against

Public Screenings

Advocate Vineet Jindal shared a copy of his petition on X, formerly Twitter, stating that he had approached the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court over the alleged public screenings of Satluj.

He wrote that the petition seeks “appropriate action against individuals, religious organisations, and political parties involved in organising illegal public screenings of the film.” He further alleged that such screenings were being used to “promote violence and spread hatred against a community as well as the security agencies.”

By this Letter petition before the Hon’ble Chief Justice of the Punjab & Haryana High Court, I am seeking appropriate action against individuals, religious organisations, and political parties involved in organising illegal public screenings of the film. Such screenings are… https://t.co/Sqd9TlKOE6

— Adv.Vineet Jindal (@vineetJindal19) July 11, 2026

Calling the screenings a threat to public order, Jindal added that these acts could affect peace and communal harmony in Punjab. He has sought directions to stop such screenings and action against those allegedly involved.

In a video, the advocate also argued that screening a film without proper clearance or lawful release was illegal. He urged authorities to register FIRs and take strict action against organisers.

पंजाब में फ़िल्म “सतलुज” की पब्लिक स्क्रीनिंग पर रोक व करवाही के लिए पंजाब हरियाणा हाईकोर्ट में पत्र याचिका दायर।

अधिवक्ता विनीत जिंदल ने पंजाब में फिल्म “सतलुज” की अवैध सार्वजनिक स्क्रीनिंग पर रोक लगाने की मांग को लेकर पंजाब एवं हरियाणा उच्च न्यायालय के माननीय मुख्य न्यायाधीश… pic.twitter.com/FI2eQUaPYJ

— Adv.Vineet Jindal (@vineetJindal19) July 11, 2026

ZEE5 Had Urged Viewers Not To Watch It Illegally

After Satluj was removed from ZEE5 India, the platform issued a statement saying, “In light of the current developments, Satluj will be unavailable in India until further notice. We remain committed to exploring every appropriate avenue through due process to bring the film back to our audiences at the earliest opportunity.”

ZEE5 also urged viewers not to stream, circulate or screen the film illegally, adding that efforts were underway to bring it back through the appropriate process.

Film Also Removed Internationally

While the film was initially pulled down only in India, director Honey Trehan later confirmed to SCREEN that Satluj had also been removed from ZEE5 internationally.

The controversy has now moved beyond the original takedown. With unauthorised screenings allegedly taking place and a High Court petition seeking intervention, Satluj has become one of the most debated Indian streaming releases of the year.