Question : Cinematograph Act, 1952

(a) whether the Government has proposed an amendment in Cinematograph Act,1952;

(b) whether the Government is aware that the proposition goes against the Supreme Court decision wherein the court ruled that the Government cannot weigh in on cases which have already been reviewed and classified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC); and

(c) if so, the steps taken by the Government to ensure that the proposed amendment maintains the autonomous powers of CBFC in certification acceptable media for public consumption?

THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
(SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR)

(a) to (c): The Government introduced the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2019 in the Rajya Sabha on 12.02.2019 to impose strict penalties against unauthorized duplication of films in cinema halls. The Standing Committee on Information Technology (2019-20) presented its Report on the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2019 in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha on 16th March, 2020.
The recommendations/ observations contained in the Report of the Standing Committee on Information Technology have been examined for making necessary amendment to clauses in the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2019.

Various comments have been received from the stakeholders and members of the public regarding the proposed amendments. The proposal is at consultation stage and no final view has been formed.