The Cinematograph (Amendment Bill) 2023, which aims to boost the growth and development of the Indian film industry, was passed by the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, after being cleared by the Rajya Sabha on Monday.
The bill, which was introduced by the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Singh Thakur, seeks to amend the Cinematograph Act, 1952, to address the issues of piracy, certification, licensing and categorization of films.
The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023 introduces a number of new provisions, including:
- Increased penalties for film piracy: The bill increases the penalties for film piracy, including a jail term of up to three years and a fine of up to 5% of the production cost of the film.
- New age ratings: The bill introduces three new age ratings: UA 7+, UA 13+, and UA 16+. These ratings will allow children under the given age limits to watch certain films with parental guidance.
- Separate certificate for television/other media: Films with an ‘A’ or ‘S’ certificate will now require a separate certificate for exhibition on television, or any other media prescribed by the central government.
- Unauthorized recording and exhibition to be punishable: The bill prohibits carrying out or abetting the unauthorized recording and exhibition of films.
The passage of the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023 is a significant step in the fight against film piracy and the protection of intellectual property rights. The new provisions in the bill will help to deter piracy and ensure that filmmakers are able to recoup their investments. The bill also makes it easier for parents to control what their children watch, and it will help to ensure that films are appropriately rated for their content.
The passage of the bill was welcomed by the film industry, which has long been plagued by film piracy. The Film Federation of India (FFI) said that the bill was “a welcome step” and that it would “help to protect the interests of the film industry.” The FFI also said that the bill would “help to create a level playing field for the film industry” and that it would “help to ensure that films are properly protected.”
The passage of the bill is a welcome step for the film industry, and it will help to create a more vibrant and sustainable film ecosystem in India.
A Historic Day For Our Film Industry!
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) July 31, 2023
After the successful passage of The Cinematograph (Amendment Bill) 2023 in the Rajya Sabha, the bill also got passed in the Lok Sabha.
India is known as the country of story-tellers and has the distinction of producing the highest number of… pic.twitter.com/wv5M8Sq6tS
The bill is expected to have a positive impact on the film industry, which is one of the largest and most influential sectors in India. The film industry contributes significantly to the economy, employment, culture and soft power of the country. India produces the highest number of films in the world, with more than 1,800 films released in 2019.
The Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur, hailed the passage of the bill as a historic day for the film industry and thanked Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his vision and support. He said that the bill will enable the film industry to flourish and reach new heights in the #AmritKaal of our Independence. He also expressed his gratitude to the members of both houses for their cooperation and consensus in passing the bill.
The film industry also welcomed the passage of the bill and appreciated the efforts of the government in addressing their concerns and aspirations. Several prominent filmmakers, actors and producers took to social media to express their happiness and optimism about the future of cinema in India.
