India, July 11 -- The controversy surrounding Satluj, the film based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has evolved into a debate far larger than cinema. After the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) reportedly recommended extensive cuts before certifying the film, the filmmakers challenged the decision before the Bombay high court. Having failed to secure the relief they sought, they released the film on an OTT platform through self-certification. Following its removal from the platform, they have announced plans to screen it in gurdwaras.

The issue today is no longer simply one of artistic freedom. It is about the rule of law.

India's statutory institutions for film certification are not beyond criticism...