The Central government is considering making certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) mandatory for films released directly on OTT platforms, following the controversy over the streaming of Satluj without CBFC approval.
According to government sources, the Centre is examining amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which would require all films released on streaming platforms to obtain CBFC certification before their release.
At present, films released exclusively on OTT platforms do not require certification from the CBFC.
Government Considering Action Against ZEE5
The proposal comes after Satluj, directed by Honey Trehan and starring Diljit Dosanjh, was streamed on ZEE5 on July 3 without CBFC certification. The film was removed from the platform on July 5 following a government order citing concerns related to national security.
A senior government functionary said the Centre is also considering action against ZEE5 for allegedly streaming an uncensored version of the film while it was still under examination by the CBFC, which had reportedly suggested several cuts.
According to sources, the government believes the platform should not have released the film before the certification process was completed.
Centre Says States Must Act Against Unauthorised Screenings
Despite being removed from ZEE5, Satluj has continued to be screened privately at several locations, including gurdwaras across Punjab.
Government sources said it is the responsibility of state governments to enforce the law and initiate action wherever the film is screened publicly without the required certification.
They also said that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Centre have the authority to direct the removal of uncertified content from streaming platforms, and that this power was exercised in the case of Satluj.
Film Based on Human Rights Activist Jaswant Singh Khalra
Satluj is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who documented the alleged cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994. Khalra was abducted and killed by police personnel in 1995.
The film has become a political issue ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections scheduled early next year, with community groups continuing to organise private screenings.
IT Rules May Be Amended
Officials said the proposed amendment would bring OTT film releases within the CBFC certification framework by modifying the Information Technology Rules, 2021.
Currently, Part III of the IT Rules empowers the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to regulate OTT content through Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, which allows 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.
Government sources had earlier stated that a Centre-appointed committee reviewing Satluj recommended that the ban on its public availability through online streaming platforms should continue, alleging that certain portions of the film were against India’s sovereignty and integrity.
