Honey Trehan’s ‘Satluj’ formerly titled ‘Punjab ’95’, remains embroiled in controversy even after its removal from OTT. The Diljit Dosanjh-starrer, which was taken down from the streaming platform within days of its release, has now reportedly been screened publicly at multiple locations, including parts of Punjab and Jammu. The alleged screenings have prompted a legal challenge, with a petition being filed before the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking action against those organising the events.Inspired by the life and death of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, the film premiered on OTT on July 3 before being withdrawn from the platform on July 5. Its abrupt removal triggered widespread discussions around censorship, legal procedures and the circulation of the film through unauthorised channels.Advocate Vineet Jindal announced on X, formerly Twitter, that he had approached the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court over the reported public screenings of ‘Satluj’. Sharing a copy of the petition, he said it sought legal intervention against those allegedly responsible for organising the events.Jindal wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “A letter petition has been filed by Advocate Vineet Jindal before the Hon’ble Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking immediate directions to prevent the illegal streaming and unauthorized public screening of the film Satluj in the State of Punjab. By this Letter petition before the Hon’ble Chief Justice of the Punjab & Haryana High Court, I am seeking appropriate action against individuals, religious organisations, and political parties involved in organising illegal public screenings of the film. Such screenings are allegedly being used to promote violence and spread hatred against a community as well as the security agencies.”He added further, “These illegal acts pose a serious threat to peace, public order, and communal harmony in the State of Punjab. I have, therefore, sought appropriate directions to prevent such unlawful screenings and to ensure that those responsible are proceeded against in accordance with law.” In a separate video, Jindal argued that exhibiting a film without the necessary legal clearance or a valid authorised release amounted to an illegal act. He also urged authorities to register FIRs and take strict action against the organisers.Following the film’s removal from Zee5, the streaming platform had issued a statement that read, “In light of the current developments, Satluj will be unavailable in India until further notice. We remain committed to exploring every appropriate avenue through due process to bring the film back to our audiences at the earliest opportunity.”
