Govt considering amendment in IT Rules for OTT platforms, action against ZEE5: Sources

New Delhi: The government is considering amending the IT Rules 2021 for certification of films before release on OTT platforms, a development that comes amid a controversy over the film 'Satluj' that was released without any clearances.

Sources said the government is mulling introducing compulsory certification and clearance from the Censor Board before any film is released on OTT platforms. For this, an amendment in the IT Rules is necessary.

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A senior government functionary said it is also considering action against intermediary ZEE5 for screening the uncensored film 'Satluj', which was still under consideration by the Censor Board for Film Certification (CBFC) and several cuts had been suggested in the film.

However, OTT content currently does not fall under the purview of the CBFC.

The film was taken down from ZEE5 two days after its release on July 3, following a government order that cited national security concerns.

On the screening of 'Satluj' at private places without certification, the government functionary said it is for the state government to ensure that the law is enforced and action taken against those violating it.

The Honey Trehan-directed film depicts the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated the cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994, and was abducted and murdered by police personnel in 1995.

'Satluj' is being screened privately at several places, including in Gurdwaras across Punjab, and the issue is being politicised ahead of assembly elections due early next year.

Part III of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, empowers the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to invoke Section 69A of the IT Act under a mechanism meant to oversee OTT content that does not fall within the purview of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

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.

A committee set up by the Centre to examine the content of the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer film 'Satluj' is learnt to have recommended that the ban on its public access through online streaming platforms should remain as the film allegedly goes against India's sovereignty and integrity, government sources said earlier.