The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023 passed by the Rajya Sabha on July 27, 2023, seeking to make amendments to the Cinematograph Act, 1952, will now go to the Lok Sabha. Once passed into law, movies certified ‘A’ by the Central Board of Film Certification that cannot currently be aired on TV may be altered and aired post recertification.
The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995 stipulates that only UA (and U) category films can be aired on TV. The current Bill allows for the change of category from A (adult) or S (specialised groups) to UA, after alterations.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) will henceforth be able to give separate certificates for a film’s exhibition on television or other media. The certificate that is currently valid for 10 years, would be valid perpetually, according to the Bill. It also clarifies that the government will not have revisional powers over the certification.
The Bill further introduces three certifications under the ‘UA’ category: UA 7+, UA 13+ and UA 16+.
Crackdown on piracy
Based on inputs from stakeholders and in response to the film industry’s pleas, the I&B Ministry seeks to crack down heavily on piracy.
It proposes a three-year jail term and a fine of 5 pc of a movie’s production cost for those making pirated copies.
Feedback: [email protected]
