The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023

The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023
 

News: The Parliament recently passed The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023. 

Background:
•  The Bill amends the Cinematograph Act, 1952. The Act constitutes the Board of Film Certification for certifying films for exhibition. Such certifications may be subject to modifications/deletions. The Board may also refuse the exhibition of a films.
 

Key Provisions:
Additional certificate categories based on age
•  The current U/A rating, which covers a broad age range, will be split into three distinct categories:
•  U/A 7+  Films suitable for children above the age of 7 with parental guidance.
•  U/A 13+  Films suitable for children above the age of 13 with parental guidance.
•  U/A 16+ Films suitable for children above the age of 16 with parental guidance.
•  This new classification system aligns with the graded-age classifications implemented for streaming platforms under the IT Rules, 2021 and Shyam Benegal Committee recommendations (2017).
 

Separate certificate for television/other media
•  Films with an ‘A’ or ‘S’ certificate will require a separate certificate for exhibition on television, or any other media prescribed by the central government. The Board may direct the applicant to carry appropriate deletions or modifications for the separate certificate.
 

Unauthorised recording and exhibition to be punishable
•  The Bill prohibits carrying out or abetting: (i) the unauthorised recording and (ii) unauthorised exhibition of films.
•  Jail Term - Imprisonment from 3 months to 3 years
•  Fine - From Rs. 3 lakhs to 5% of the audited gross production cost Expansion of Copyright Coverage

Expansion od Copyright Coverage
•  It aims to extend the coverage of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, which was primarily focused on censorship, to now encompass copyright protection.
  This move aligns with the evolving landscape of film distribution and aims to safeguard the intellectual property rights of filmmakers and content creators. Certificates to be perpetually valid

Certificates to be perpetually vaid
•  Under the Act, the certificate issued by the Board is valid for 10 years. The Bill provides that the certificates will be perpetually valid.