'Satluj' OTT Ban Stays: Centre Panel Cites National Security Concerns Over Diljit Dosanjh Film

A government-appointed committee has recommended that the ban on public access to Diljit Dosanjh-starrer 'Satluj' through online streaming platforms should continue, citing concerns related to India's sovereignty, integrity and security , according to official sources.

The film, directed by Honey Trehan , portrays the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra , who investigated the cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994. Khalra was later abducted and killed in 1995, a case that became one of the most significant human rights controversies linked to the militancy era in Punjab.

'Satluj' was removed for viewers in India from the OTT platform ZEE5 on July 5, just two days after its release, after the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting invoked provisions related to national security concerns. The ministry subsequently constituted an Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 , to undertake a detailed examination of the film.

According to sources, the committee concluded that the blocking order issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act was justified. The provision allows the government to restrict online content in the interests of sovereignty and integrity, defence, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states and public order.

The panel reportedly observed that the film's narrative was not adequately balanced, alleging that it downplayed the actions of militants while placing greater emphasis on alleged excesses committed by security forces during the Punjab insurgency.

The controversy has also acquired a political dimension in Punjab. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has demanded that the ban be lifted, while the Shiromani Akali Dal has announced plans to organise screenings of the film across the state.