The government has considered amending the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, to make certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) mandatory before films are released on OTT platforms. The move has come amid the controversy surrounding Satluj, which was released on ZEE5 without CBFC clearance.
As per media reports, the government has also weighed action against ZEE5 for streaming the uncensored version of Satluj, which has remained under consideration by the CBFC and for which several cuts have reportedly been suggested. However, OTT content has not fallen under the purview of the CBFC under the existing framework.
The film has been removed from ZEE5 two days after its release on July 3 following a government order citing national security concerns. Sources have said the proposed amendment to the IT Rules has aimed to introduce compulsory CBFC certification and clearance for films before their release on OTT platforms.
The government has stated that the enforcement of laws against the private screening of Satluj without certification has rested with the respective state governments. The film has continued to be screened privately at multiple locations, including Gurdwaras across Punjab, and the issue has been politicised ahead of the state’s Assembly elections due early next year.
Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj has depicted the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated the cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994 and was abducted and murdered by police personnel in 1995.
Part III of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, has empowered the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to invoke Section 69A of the IT Act to oversee OTT content that does not fall within the CBFC’s jurisdiction. Section 69A has empowered the government to block online content on grounds including India’s sovereignty and integrity, defence, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states and public order.
Earlier, a Centre-appointed committee examining the content of Satluj has reportedly recommended that the ban on the film’s public access through online streaming platforms should continue, citing concerns that it allegedly goes against India’s sovereignty and integrity.
