The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has formed a three-member review committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the removal of the film ‘Satluj’ from OTT platform ZEE5, the Punjab BJP claimed yesterday, according to a PTI report from Chandigarh.

Earlier, government sources said that the Centre plans to refer the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer ‘Satluj’ to an Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) constituted under the IT Rules 2021 for a detailed examination and future course of action.

The film, which was earlier titled ‘Punjab ’95’ and details the life of activist Jaswant Singh Khalra in Punjab in the turbulent 1990s when the State was reeling under terrorism, was released uncut on ZEE5 under the new title of ‘Satluj’ on July 3.

An earlier PTI report from New Delhi had stated, citing sources, the matter will be examined by the IDC, a committee constituted under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, to consider grievances relating to content published by OTT platforms and digital news publishers and make recommendations to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

The committee comprises representatives from the ministries of Information and Broadcasting, Home Affairs, Electronics and Information Technology, Women and Child Development, External Affairs, Defence and Law and Justice, besides such other ministries and domain experts as the government may decide.
The committee may recommend a range of measures, including warnings, an apology or disclaimer, reclassification or modification of content and, where warranted, deletion or blocking of content under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act.
OTT content does not fall within the CBFC’s certification regime and is regulated under Part III of the IT Rules, 2021.
The rules prescribe a Code of Ethics requiring publishers to exercise due caution while publishing content affecting the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign countries or public order, among other grounds.
However, the operation of the Code of Ethics was stayed by the Bombay High Court in 2021, with the Madras High Court later clarifying that the stay would have a pan-India effect, the PTI report clarified.
The rules, however, also contain an emergency provision. Rule 16 provides that in cases of an emergency where no delay is acceptable, an authorised officer may examine the content and determine whether it falls within the grounds specified under Section 69A(1) of the Information Technology Act.
If satisfied that blocking the content is necessary and justified, the officer may submit a written recommendation to the Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Section 69A empowers 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.