After 'Satluj' Controversy, India Eyes Mandatory Film Certification for OTT Content
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India's central government is now seriously considering making film certification mandatory for content released directly on Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms. This comes after the recent and swift removal of Diljit Dosanjh-starrer 'Satluj' from the Zee5 platform, which has sparked a major political uproar across Punjab and ignited debates on censorship and freedom of expression. The move signals a potential amendment to the Information Technology Act, extending the same certification requirements as traditional theatrical releases to the burgeoning digital streaming space. The 'Satluj' controversy centers on a film depicting human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated alleged extrajudicial killings during Punjab's militancy years. Despite facing numerous cuts and delays from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for a theatrical release, the filmmakers opted for a direct OTT premiere. Its removal by Zee5, reportedly under government direction citing national security concerns via Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000, has exposed the existing regulatory gap: while cinema films require prior CBFC clearance under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, OTT content is currently governed by the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which rely more on self-regulation and a grievance redressal mechanism. This renewed push for mandatory certification could significantly reshape India's digital media landscape, impacting content creators and streaming platforms alike. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) are reportedly discussing a larger regulatory role to standardize content oversight. As political parties in Punjab continue to leverage the 'Satluj' row ahead of upcoming Assembly elections, all eyes will be on the government's precise legislative proposals and the inevitable industry response to tighter controls on online storytelling.