The PIL states that sudden withdrawal of the film based upon documented historical events and the life of a human rights defender whose case has already been adjudicated upon by constitutional courts has given rise to serious concerns regarding transparency, freedom of artistic expression, and the possible existence of undisclosed executive interference.
“The film ‘Satluj’ is a biopic based upon true facts and life story of late Jaswant Singh Khalra and does not affect the sovereignty and integrity of our country in any manner nor is it aimed to disrupt public order,” the plea states.
The petitioner has argued that the PIL is fully maintainable under Article 226 (writ jurisdiction) of the Constitution of India as it seeks enforcement of the fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14 and 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India.
The plea also raises issues of significant 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, Singh said in the plea.
He has further contended that the movie’s removal from the OTT platform has deprived thousands of bona fide Zee5 subscribers of access to content for which they had already paid consideration.
“Such deprivation, in the absence of authority of law, is arbitrary, unreasonable and contrary to the constitutional mandate of fairness, transparency and the rule of law,” the plea submits.
