Government Plans to Revise IT Rules for OTT Film Certification Amid Controversy Over 'Satluj'

Government's Move to Amend IT Rules

New Delhi: The government is contemplating changes to the IT Rules 2021 to mandate film certification prior to their release on OTT platforms. This consideration arises amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding the film Satluj, which was launched without the necessary clearances.

According to sources, the government is looking into the possibility of requiring mandatory certification and approval from the Censor Board before any film can debut on OTT services. This would necessitate an amendment to the existing IT Rules.

A senior official indicated that the government is also evaluating potential actions against the intermediary ZEE5 for broadcasting the uncensored version of Satluj, which was still under review by the Censor Board for Film Certification (CBFC), with several cuts recommended.

Currently, OTT content is not regulated by the CBFC.

The film was removed from ZEE5 just two days after its July 3 release, following a government directive citing concerns related to national security.

Regarding the unauthorized screening of Satluj in private venues, the official stated that it is the responsibility of the state government to enforce the law and take action against violators.

Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj portrays the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated the cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab from 1984 to 1994, and was abducted and killed by police in 1995.

The film is being shown privately in various locations, including Gurdwaras across Punjab, and the situation is being politicized in light of the upcoming assembly elections early next year.

Part III of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, grants the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting the authority to invoke Section 69A of the IT Act, which is designed to oversee OTT content that falls outside the jurisdiction of the CBFC.

Section 69A allows the government to block online content for reasons such as India's sovereignty and integrity, state security, friendly relations with foreign nations, and public order.

A committee established by the Centre to review the content of the Diljit Dosanjh-starring film Satluj has reportedly recommended that the ban on its public access via online streaming platforms should remain in place, as the film allegedly undermines India's sovereignty and integrity, according to government sources.