What is the story about?
The Central government is now reportedly looking at legal action over the release and screening of Diljit Dosanjh's film Satluj. A latest report suggests
that the film released online without a valid certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification. The CBFC had reportedly asked for 127 cuts before clearing the movie, but the makers never made those changes. Satluj arrived on Zee5 only to be taken down within two days. However, the film has since been screened publicly at several places, including gurdwaras.
Why Is Centre Considering To Take Legal Action Against Satluj Release?
According to an India Today report, the film's certification process was never actually completed. The CBFC had suggested more than a hundred cuts, and the makers reportedly refused to accept them. Since no certificate was granted, the release itself is seen as unauthorised.
The Centre is said to have asked state governments to step in and take action wherever Satluj is being screened publicly. This includes gatherings organised at gurdwaras and community halls across several states, since these screenings are also without proper clearance.
The film, based on human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has been at the centre of a long legal battle. It waited nearly four years for release, first under the title Punjab '95, and later as Satluj on ZEE5.
Officials say OTT platforms fall under separate IT rules, but films meant for public screening still need CBFC clearance.
Satluj Released And Removed - Here's Why
Satluj was finally released on Zee5 on July 3, after years of delay caused by certification troubles. However, it was taken down from the platform within just two days, with Zee5 citing 'current circumstances' without giving further details.
Reports suggest the takedown came after the government flagged security concerns and cited obligations under IT Rules, 2021. Neither the I&B Ministry nor Zee5 has publicly explained the exact reasons behind this abrupt removal so far.
Following the takedown, community organisations stepped in. Gurdwaras across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi and Jammu started screening the film to keep Khalra's story alive and reach audiences despite it being pulled from streaming.
Meanwhile, a petition has been filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking the film's restoration on Zee5. It argues the takedown happened without any public statutory or judicial order and questions the lack of transparency in the decision. The plea says the film is based on events already part of public record, examined earlier by courts and official bodies.
