Satluj Ban Row: MIB Forms Interdepartmental Committee To Examine Diljit Dosanjh’s Film After Removal From OTT

Satluj,

starring Diljit Dosanjh in the lead role, was taken down from ZEE5 hours after its release on the OTT platform. For the unversed, the Jaswant Singh Khalra biopic is yet to get clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). After the delay of three years and a long legal battle with CBFC, the makers quietly released Sutlaj, formerly titled Panjab '95, on the digital platform on July 3. After the film was removed from the OTT, a section of people questioned the decision . Amid backlash, the MIB has formed a high-level Interdepartmental Committee (IDC) to examine the content of the Diljit Dosanjg film.

IDC To Examine Satluj

According to a Hindustan Times report, the decision of forming the IDC was taken by MIB after they directed ZEE5 to take down Satluj. The order was made under Section 69A of the Information Technology (IT) Act, read with Part 3 of the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021. As per Section 69A, the government has the power to direct intermediaries to block or remove access to online content on specific grounds, including public order, national security and the sovereignty and integrity of India. On the other hand, Part 3 of the IT Rules extends this framework in a limited way to publishers of online curated content and digital news, empowering the MIB to issue such directions to OTT platforms and news publishers.

Coming back to the senior MIB officials’ statement, on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the matter is now being examined by the IDC, which was formed under Rule 14 of the IT Rulers 2021. The panel is empowered to make recommendations to the centre on the content-related complaints.

Satluj’s Real Story

Satluj is the biopic of Jaswant Singh Khalra, who was reportedly abducted and killed in 1995 after he uncovered the evidence of horrific murders and unlawful cremations of over 2000 people in Tarn Taran, Punjab, after the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

What Did Diljit Dosanjh Say About Satluj Ban?

After Satluj was removed from the OTT platform, Diljit Dosanjh went live and said that he had anticipated it. He further stated that a lot of people watched the film, and the makers’ motive to present the film to the audience was fulfilled. Diljit also said that many have even downloaded the film.

After Diljit’s live session, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) president, BN Tiwari, questioned the actor’s film choices. While speaking to the IANS, Tiwari said, “Diljit Dosanjh should understand the impact of such decisions. He is a superstar of Punjab, and he should think carefully so that his image is not affected. He has a huge fan base across the world today.”

About Satluj

Satluj was supposed to be released in 2023, but due to a censorship issue, the film got delayed. The censor board demanded over 120 cuts in film, but the makers didn’t agree to it. Eventually, the clearance certificate was put on hold. Satluj has been directed by Honey Trehan, and it also stars Arjun Rampal, Suvinder Vicky, Geetika Vidya and others in pivotal roles.