Centre sets up panel to review Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj after MIB-directed ZEE5 takedown

New Delhi: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has constituted a high-level Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) to examine the content of Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Satluj, days after directing OTT platform ZEE5 to remove the film from its India catalogue over security concerns. As per news reports, the committee has been formed under Rule 14 of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. It will review the film, based on the life of Punjab human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, whose disappearance and murder in the 1990s became one of the most significant human rights cases linked to the militancy period in Punjab. The development comes after Satluj was taken down from ZEE5 in India just two days after its digital premiere on July 3. The government invoked Section 69A of the Information Technology Act along with relevant provisions of the IT Rules while directing the platform to remove the film. Officials reportedly raised concerns that certain portions of the movie could be "misused by anti-India elements", prompting the action on national security grounds. A senior MIB official said the newly constituted IDC will carry out a detailed examination of the film's content. The committee's findings are expected to determine whether the film can be restored on the platform in India or whether further action is warranted. Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj also stars Arjun Rampal and has had a long and contentious release journey. Originally titled Punjab 95, the film reportedly faced multiple objections from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which sought extensive cuts before granting certification. Instead of pursuing a theatrical release in India, the makers opted for a direct-to-digital strategy. The film was released uncut on ZEE5's international service, while also becoming available in India before it was withdrawn following the government's directive. Confirming the removal, ZEE5 said the film would remain unavailable in India "until further notice". The platform also reiterated its support for the film and its creators, stating that it remains committed to pursuing all appropriate legal and regulatory avenues to restore the title for Indian audiences at the earliest opportunity. The film continues to stream on ZEE5 Global for viewers outside India. Meanwhile, pirated copies of the film have surfaced online following its removal from the platform.