A Public Interest Litigation has been filed before the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking restoration of the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer film Satluj on Zee5, days after the platform pulled the film, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, just two days after its release.
Film Taken Down Days After Release, Following Years of CBFC Delay
Satluj, based on the life and death of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, was taken down from Zee5 just two days after its online release. The film had earlier remained stalled for three years after the Central Board of Film Certification refused to approve it for theatrical release without alterations. Since its release and subsequent removal, the film has stayed in the headlines, with the Union government also constituting a panel to review its content.
Petitioner Argues Removal Curtails Free Speech And Artistic Expression
The plea has been filed by Sharwan Singh, a Punjab resident and Zee5 subscriber, who has sought restoration of the movie on the ground that its removal curtails the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression. The petition contends that the abrupt removal of the film, without disclosure of any statutory order, judicial direction or lawful authority, has curtailed the public's right to receive information and artistic expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, and has deprived thousands of bona fide subscribers of access to content they had already paid for.
The PIL states that the sudden withdrawal of a film based on documented historical events and the life of a human rights defender, whose case has already been adjudicated by constitutional courts, raises serious concerns about transparency, freedom of artistic expression, and possible undisclosed executive interference. It further asserts that Satluj is a biopic based on true facts and the life story of Jaswant Singh Khalra, and does not affect the sovereignty and integrity of the country or aim to disrupt public order.
Petition Invokes Article 226, Cites Articles 14 And 19(1)(a)
The petitioner has argued that the PIL is maintainable under Article 226 of the Constitution, as it seeks enforcement of fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14 and 19(1)(a). The plea raises issues of public importance concerning freedom of speech and expression, the public's right to receive information, artistic freedom, transparency in executive action, and adherence to the rule of law.
The petitioner has further contended that the film's removal, in the absence of any authority of law, is arbitrary, unreasonable and contrary to the constitutional mandate of fairness, transparency and the rule of law, and has deprived subscribers of content for which they had already paid consideration.
Case: PIL filed by Sharwan Singh seeking restoration of the film Satluj on Zee5 Court: Punjab and Haryana High Court Counsel for
Petitioner: Advocates Hakam Singh, Ajayvir Singh Randhawa, Shruti and Anmol Jeevan Singh Gill
