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NEW DELHI: The Centre is considering making certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) mandatory for films released on OTT platforms, sources said on Wednesday.The move would require amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, as OTT content currently does not come under the CBFC’s purview.The development comes amid the controversy over the film “Satluj,” which was released on streaming platform Zee5 without CBFC certification.Part III of the IT Rules empowers the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to invoke Section 69A of the Information Technology Act to regulate OTT content that falls outside the Central Board of Film Certification‘s (CBFC) purview.Section 69A allows 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.A Centre-appointed committee that examined the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer is learnt to have recommended that the ban on its public streaming remain in place, citing concerns that the film allegedly undermines India’s sovereignty and integrity.
Government to act against ZEE5?
Meanwhile, a senior government functionary said action could also be initiated against ZEE5 for releasing Satluj while it was still under review by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which had recommended several cuts.ZEE5 took down the film on July 3, two days after its release, following a government order citing national security concerns.On reports of Satluj being screened at private venues without certification, the functionary said it was the responsibility of the respective state governments to enforce the law and take action against those violating it.The film is being screened privately at several locations, including gurdwaras across Punjab, with the issue becoming increasingly politicised ahead of the Assembly elections due early next year.Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj chronicles the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated the cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994. Khalra was abducted and murdered by Punjab Police personnel in 1995.(With PTI inputs)
