censorship

The Central government is considering amending the Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021 to make Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) approval mandatory for films before they are released on OTT platforms. The proposed move follows the controversy surrounding the release of the film ‘Satluj’, which was streamed without CBFC certification. According to government sources, the proposed amendment would require all films intended for OTT release to obtain censorship clearance before being made available to viewers. At present, OTT content is not governed by the CBFC certification process, making changes to the IT Rules necessary to implement such a requirement. The government is also examining possible action against streaming platform ZEE5, which released Satluj while the film was reportedly still under review by the CBFC. Sources said the certification board had suggested multiple edits to the film before its release. The film was removed from ZEE5 just two days after its July 3 release following a government directive citing national security concerns. Officials clarified that while the Centre can regulate online streaming under the IT Rules, screenings of uncertified films at private venues fall under the jurisdiction of state governments. Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who exposed the cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab during 1984–1994 before he was allegedly abducted and killed by police personnel in 1995. Despite its removal from OTT platforms, the film has reportedly been screened at private venues, including several gurdwaras in Punjab. The issue has gained political attention ahead of the state’s Assembly elections scheduled for next year. Under Part III of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has the authority to invoke Section 69A of the IT Act to block online content that falls outside the CBFC’s regulatory framework. The provision allows the government to restrict digital content on grounds such as national security, sovereignty, public order, and the integrity of India. Government sources also indicated that a Centre-appointed committee reviewing Satluj has recommended that the ban on the film’s public availability through online streaming platforms should continue, citing concerns that its content may affect India’s sovereignty and integrity. Source: PTI