Government Committee Upholds OTT Ban on Diljit Dosanjh’s “Satluj”

“Satluj,” directed by Honey Trehan and starring Diljit Dosanjh, dramatizes the investigations of human-rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra into the cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994. Khalra was abducted and killed by Punjab police in 1995. The film premiered on the ZEE5 platform on 3 July 2026 and was removed for Indian viewers on 5 July 2026 after the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting raised security concerns.

Govt panel recommends extending ‘Satluj’ streaming banGovt panel backs continued OTT ban on 'Satluj', cites security concernsState Committee Upholds Ban On Khalra Biopic Satluj

The Centre formed an inter-departmental committee (IDC) under the Information Technology Rules, 2021, comprising ministries of Information & Broadcasting, Home Affairs, Electronics & IT, External Affairs, Defence, Women & Child Development, and Law & Justice. The committee concluded that the blocking order issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act was justified and should remain in force. It cited “severe threats to India’s sovereignty and national security” and described the film’s narrative as “unbalanced,” alleging it downplays militant actions while disproportionately highlighting security-force excesses.

Govt panel backs continued OTT ban on 'Satluj', cites security concerns

Legal scholars and freedom-of-expression advocates argue the committee’s rationale—citing “sovereignty and integrity”—is an overly broad interpretation of constitutional limits. Human-rights organizations have condemned the opaque review process and called for transparency about the specific scenes deemed threatening. Anticipated legal petitions are expected to be filed in the Supreme Court of India, challenging the precedent for digital censorship.

State Committee Upholds Ban On Khalra Biopic Satluj

• “According to government sources, the committee has concluded that the blocking order issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act was justified and should remain in force.” — Government source

Govt panel backs continued OTT ban on 'Satluj', cites security concerns

• “A central government committee has formally recommended maintaining the total ban on the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer biopic 'Satluj', citing severe threats to India's sovereignty and national security.” — Committee recommendation

State Committee Upholds Ban On Khalra Biopic Satluj

• “Legal and Constitutional Implications Legal scholars and freedom of expression advocates argue that the committee's rationale—citing 'sovereignty and integrity'—represents an overly broad interpretation of constitutional restrictions.” — Legal commentary

State Committee Upholds Ban On Khalra Biopic Satluj

• “Human rights organizations have criticized the opaque nature of the review process, demanding greater transparency regarding the specific cinematic sequences deemed threatening to the state.” — Human-rights commentary

State Committee Upholds Ban On Khalra Biopic Satluj