Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023
The Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023 that introduces stringent anti-piracy provisions, expanding the scope of the law from censorship to cover copyright also.
The Bill proposes a jail term of up to three years and a fine up to 5% of a film’s production cost for persons who “use any audiovisual recording device in a place licensed to exhibit films with the intention of making or transmitting … an infringing copy of” a film, or trying to do so.
The Bill seeks to amend the Cinematograph Act, 1952, which authorises the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to require cuts in films and clear them for exhibition in cinemas and on television.
The government will not have revisional powers [over the CBFC’s decisions] even after this Bill.
The Bill introduces three age ratings for films requiring adult supervision.
Such films now get a U/A rating, but this has been split into U/A 7+, U/A 13+ and U/A 16+.
Films rated for adults have largely been prohibited on television, following a 2004 Bombay High Court order.
Broadcasters often cut films voluntarily, and re-apply with the CBFC for a U/A rating. The Bill formalizes this practice.
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