Government orders ZEE5 to remove 'Satluj' film, raising concerns over censorship and IT Rules
The film 'Satluj' (originally 'Punjab '95'), based on human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, was removed from ZEE5 two days after its premiere, reportedly on government orders. The film depicts Khalra's work documenting alleged extrajudicial killings and illegal cremations in Punjab during the 1980s-90s. The removal, following years of delays and 127 cuts demanded by the CBFC for a theatrical release, raises concerns about post-publication executive control under Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000. Legal experts highlight that blocking orders must follow prescribed procedures and safeguards, including reasoned written orders and opportunities for the publisher to be heard, and that confidentiality provisions in the Blocking Rules undermine transparency and legal challenge.
Key Points
- The film 'Satluj', depicting the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, was removed from ZEE5 reportedly on government orders.
- The film addresses alleged extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in Punjab during the 1980s-90s.
- The removal raises concerns about government's use of Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000, for post-publication censorship on OTT platforms.
- Legal safeguards for blocking online content require reasoned orders, opportunities for hearing, and transparency, which confidentiality provisions often undermine.
Exam Facts
- Film name: Satluj (originally Punjab '95).
- OTT platform: ZEE5.
- Human rights activist: Jaswant Singh Khalra.
- Legal provision: Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
- Relevant rules: Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
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