Showdown over the film ‘Satluj’: Diljit Dosanjh moves High Court against the ban.

The controversy regarding Punjabi superstar and global icon Diljit Dosanjh’s film ‘Sutlej’ is not stopping. Challenging the ban on the release of the film, the matter has now directly reached the threshold of Punjab and Haryana High Court. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed against the ban of the film, in which the ban on its release has been declared unconstitutional. Diljit Dosanjh’s fans and people associated with the film hope that the court will intervene in this matter and clear the way for the film to reach theatres. On the other hand, the parties opposing the content of the film are also ready with their arguments, due to which this matter now seems to be turning into a long legal battle.

Why is there protest and what is the basis of PIL?

Some social and religious organizations had raised strong objections regarding the story of the film ‘Sutlej’ and its sensitive subjects, after which the administration had banned it citing law and order. However, the petitioner argues that stopping the film after getting approval from the Censor Board is a direct violation of freedom of expression. The PIL emphasizes that it is wrong to ban the film without watching it or on the basis of mere speculations. Now the main issue of debate in the court will be whether it is appropriate to stop the entire release of a film due to protests arising from its content. This hearing will not only decide the future of this film of Diljit Dosanjh, but can also prove to be a precedent for such films to be made in future.

Politics of Punjab and eyes of Diljit’s fans

There is a huge curiosity about this film among the fans of Diljit Dosanjh in Punjab as well as in Delhi and other states. Fans are continuously showing their support through trends like #ReleaseSatluj on social media. Legal experts believe that the High Court’s stance will clarify a lot in this matter. If the court rules in favor of the petitioner, the way for the film’s release will be cleared, but if the administration’s arguments remain strong, the controversy over the film may deepen. The matter is now completely in the court of the judiciary and everyone’s eyes are fixed on the upcoming hearing date to see when ‘Sutlej’ will hit the screens.