Lok Sabha Passes Cinematograph (Amendment Bill) 2023
The Lok Sabha on July 31, passed the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023, following its previous approval by the Rajya Sabha on July 27. The Bill aims to amend the Cinematograph Act, 1952, which governs film certification for public exhibition. The Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur, introduced the Bill, and it was passed with a voice vote.
The major changes introduced by the Bill include the addition of age-based categories for film certification: "UA 7+," "UA 13+," and "UA 16+." It also criminalizes unauthorised recording and exhibition of films, aiming to combat film piracy online. The Bill grants perpetual validity to the film certification issued by the Central Board of Film Certification, replacing the previous ten-year validity period.
Furthermore, the Bill omits Section 6 (1) of the Act, related to the Central Government's revisional powers, and adds new sections prohibiting unauthorized recording and exhibition of films. These offenses will be punishable with imprisonment and fines. Following the passage of the Bill amid opposition protests, the house was adjourned for the day.
