The Delhi-based advocate said that he has filed a complaint with the home affairs ministry regarding Diljit Dosanjh starrer 'Satluj' (earlier titled 'Punjab 95'), as “it spreads misinformation and sympathises with terrorism, violent extremism, and separatist ideology related to Punjab's insurgency in the 1980s and 1990s.
'Satluj' spreads misinformation on Punjab insurgency: Lawyer seeks FIR against Diljit Dosanjh
Delhi advocate demands an FIR against Diljit Dosanjh and makers for allegedly glorifying terrorism, just days after Jaswant Singh Khalra biopic was pulled from Zee5
A Delhi lawyer has demanded that an FIR should be filed against the actor and director of the film, Satluj, which according to him promotes "separatist ideology" and spreads "misinformation" about Punjab's insurgency.
In a post on X, the advocate Vineet Jindal said that he has filed a complaint with the home affairs ministry regarding Diljit Dosanjh starrer Satluj (earlier titled Punjab 95), as “it spreads misinformation and sympathises with terrorism, violent extremism, and separatist ideology related to Punjab's insurgency in the 1980s and 1990s."
In his complaint, he said he has sought an FIR against Dosanjh, the film's director, and Zee5 under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Film removed from Zee5
These allegations came a day after the movie was removed from the ZEE5 OTT platform, after concerns were raised over certain portions that could be misused by anti-India forces.
Originally titled 'Punjab 95', the movie had been delayed for years and was released on ZEE5 under the title Satluj last Friday. It was taken down after a careful review, sources said.
The makers of the film had alleged that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had sought 127 cuts in the movie.
Militancy in Punjab
In his complaint, Jindal said the filmmakers instead of complying with the objections reportedly raised by the CBFC and obtaining certification for theatrical release, changed the film’s title from Punjab 95 to Satluj and released it directly on the OTT platform ZEE5.
"It is alleged that the film portrays events relating to militancy in Punjab during the 1990s in a manner that has the potential to glorify and romanticise terrorism, violent extremism, and separatist ideology, create sympathy towards extremist elements, distort historical facts and undermine the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces, police personnel, and innocent civilians who lost their lives," Jindal claimed.
Also read: Political row erupts in Punjab after Diljit Dosanjh's 'Satluj' is removed from ZEE5
The film has scenes that appear to sympathise with Khalistani terrorists that have the potential to justify extremist narratives and can affect national security and communal harmony, he added.
'Satluj' is based on the struggle of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a human rights activist from Amritsar who was known for exposing alleged killings and secret cremations during peak militancy in Punjab.
Protests against removal
Meanwhile, Diljit Dosanjh talking about the taking down of the movie, said what happened to Satluj had also occurred to the protagonist of his film.
The removal of the movie from ZEE5 also triggered strong political reactions, with Shiromani Akali Dal's Bikram Singh pointing out that the move has already created a strong public curiosity.
"By stopping the screening of Satluj, did you really think the truth would disappear? The opposite happened. Today, every young person is searching: What happened in 1990 Bhai Khalra? Which voices were silenced? Why are you afraid to let history be seen? History cannot be banned," he said.