‘Satluj’ stars Diljit Dosanjh in lead role NEW DELHI: The Centre is considering making certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) mandatory for films released on OTT platforms, sources said on Wednesday.The move would require amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, as OTT content currently does not come under the CBFC’s purview.The development comes amid the controversy over the film “Satluj,” which was released on streaming platform Zee5 without CBFC certification.Part III of the IT Rules empowers the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to invoke Section 69A of the Information Technology Act to regulate OTT content that falls outside the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) purview.Section 69A 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.A Centre-appointed committee that examined the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer is learnt to have recommended that the ban on its public streaming remain in place, citing concerns that the film allegedly undermines India’s sovereignty and integrity.Government to act against ZEE5?Meanwhile, a senior government functionary said action could also be initiated against ZEE5 for releasing Satluj while it was still under review by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which had recommended several cuts.ZEE5 took down the film on July 3, two days after its release, following a government order citing national security concerns.On reports of Satluj being screened at private venues without certification, the functionary said it was the responsibility of the respective state governments to enforce the law and take action against those violating it.The film is being screened privately at several locations, including gurdwaras across Punjab, with the issue becoming increasingly politicised ahead of the Assembly elections due early next year.Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj chronicles 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 abducted and murdered by Punjab Police personnel in 1995.(With PTI inputs)Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final Verdict123PhotostoriesYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signsThese 5 giant pet cats are so big, people mistake them for wild animals10 baby girl names inspired by Japanese seasons and cherry blossom traditions“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adultsHermès, Chanel, and beyond: Inside the designer bag collections of the World Cup’s elite footballers9 signs someone is emotionally safe to date, according to psychologists5 washing machine cleaning tips that can make your clothes smell freshNitin Gadkari swears by this vitamin C-rich soup—Here’s why it’s worth trying in monsoonAmla shots for hair growth: 5 powerful ingredients to blend for maximum benefitsPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?123Hot PicksNBA Trade RumorsHow to Watch FIFA World CupMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Prashant KishorFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war
NEW DELHI: The Centre is considering making certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) mandatory for films released on OTT platforms, sources said on Wednesday.The move would require amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, as OTT content currently does not come under the CBFC’s purview.The development comes amid the controversy over the film “Satluj,” which was released on streaming platform Zee5 without CBFC certification.Part III of the IT Rules empowers the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to invoke Section 69A of the Information Technology Act to regulate OTT content that falls outside the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) purview.Section 69A 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.A Centre-appointed committee that examined the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer is learnt to have recommended that the ban on its public streaming remain in place, citing concerns that the film allegedly undermines India’s sovereignty and integrity.
Government to act against ZEE5?
Meanwhile, a senior government functionary said action could also be initiated against ZEE5 for releasing Satluj while it was still under review by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which had recommended several cuts.ZEE5 took down the film on July 3, two days after its release, following a government order citing national security concerns.On reports of Satluj being screened at private venues without certification, the functionary said it was the responsibility of the respective state governments to enforce the law and take action against those violating it.The film is being screened privately at several locations, including gurdwaras across Punjab, with the issue becoming increasingly politicised ahead of the Assembly elections due early next year.Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj chronicles 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 abducted and murdered by Punjab Police personnel in 1995.(With PTI inputs)
