Cinematograph Amendment Bill 2023

Contents

News:

The Rajya Sabha has passed the Cinematograph Amendment Bill 2023.

What:

The Cinematograph Amendment Bill 2023 is a proposed legislation to amend the existing 1952 Cinematograph Act.
The 1952 Act currently authorizes the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to require cuts in films to clear them for exhibition in cinemas and television broadcasting.

Highlights of the Amendment Bill

Introduction of Anti-Piracy Provisions

The Amendment Bill introduces anti-piracy provisions, expanding the scope of the law from censorship to copyright issues.

Proposed Penalties

The Bill proposes penalties for making or transmitting infringing copies of films or attempting to do so, with provisions for a jail term of up to three years and a fine of up to 5% of the film’s production cost.

Introduction of Three Age Ratings

The Bill introduces three age ratings for films requiring adult supervision, replacing the current U/A rating. The new age ratings are:
- U/A 7+
- U/A 13+
- U/A 16+

Prohibition of Adult-Rated Films on Television

Adult-rated films have been prohibited on television since a 2004 Bombay High Court order. Broadcasters often cut such films voluntarily and re-apply for a U/A rating from CBFC. The Bill formalizes this practice, allowing films to be recertified for TV and “other media.”

Implementation of IT Rules, 2021

The Bill also implements the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which provide graded age ratings for streaming platforms.

Facts: Government’s Revisional Powers over CBFC’s Decisions

As per a 1991 Supreme Court ruling, the government’s revisional powers over CBFC’s decisions did not exist.
However, the 2023 Amendment Bill formalizes the government’s revisional powers over CBFC’s decisions.

The Cinematograph Amendment Bill 2023 aims to modernize and strengthen the regulatory framework for films in India by addressing issues related to piracy, age ratings, and television broadcasting of films. The bill’s passing in the Rajya Sabha marks a significant step towards its enactment into law.