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Centre Proposes IT Rules Amendment: Mandatory CBFC Certification for OTT Films After Satluj Row

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
10 Jul 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:127 cutsJuly 3, 2026 releaseJanuary 7, 2025 HC disposalMay 2023 CBFC communication
Bodies:CBFCBombay High CourtMinistry of Information and BroadcastingMinistry of Electronics and Information TechnologyZEE5
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.Centre plans to amend IT rules to make CBFC certification mandatory for non-theatrical film releases, targeting OTT platforms.

2.The film 'Satluj' (biopic on Jaswant Singh Khalra) was removed from ZEE5 after makers refused 127 CBFC cuts; the film never had theatrical release.

3.The issue has become a political flashpoint in poll-bound Punjab with AAP and SAD protesting, and national security concerns cited.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

The Centre is considering amending the IT Act to mandate CBFC certification for films released on OTT platforms, following the controversy over the removal of the film 'Satluj' from ZEE5. This move has implications for digital content regulation, freedom of speech, and the role of the CBFC, making it a critical topic for UPSC and state exam aspirants.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Film TitleSatluj (formerly Punjab '95)
CBFC Cuts Suggested127
OTT PlatformZEE5
OTT Release DateJuly 3, 2026
Removal from OTT2 days after release (July 5, 2026)
Bombay HC DisposalJanuary 7, 2025

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Film Title: Satluj (formerly Punjab '95)
  • ›CBFC Cuts Suggested: 127
  • ›Target this Data: 127 cuts suggested by CBFC for the film 'Satluj'
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (CBFC) and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (IT rules)
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Information Technology Act, 2000 and the proposed amendment to mandate CBFC certification for OTT films

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which ministry is primarily responsible for the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the film 'Satluj':

1. The film is a biopic on Punjab human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.

2. The film was released in theatres before its OTT release.

3. The makers accepted all 127 cuts suggested by CBFC.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

On which date did the Bombay High Court dispose of the petition related to the film 'Satluj'?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary objective of the proposed amendment to the IT rules mentioned in the news?

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