Cinematograph Bill of 2023 to curb Piracy and other salutary provisions

The Cinematograph Act, 1952, is proposed to be amended by the Bill of 2023 passed yesterday in Rajya Sabha.

The important salient and salutary provisions, amongst others, are  –

Piracy – Jail term for three years and fine which shall not be less than three lakh rupees but may extend to 5% of the product cost.

Age-based categories of Certification for exhibition –

U       – without restriction

UA     – UA7+, UA13+ and UA16+ means that children younger than the given age limits can access such movies with parental guidance.

Television and other media – Central Board of Film Certificate is empowered to give separate certificates for a film’s exhibition on television or other media.

Unauthorised recording and exhibition to be punishable – An unauthorised exhibition means that the public exhibition of an infringing copy of the film for profit.